ISLAMABAD: The federal government has declared November 9 (Wednesday) a national holiday in observance of “Iqbal Day,” the 145th birthday celebration of Dr. Allama Mohammad Iqbal.
The development was reported to the government on Tuesday.
An official announcement stated, “The Prime Minister has been pleased to demand that November 9 (Iqbal Day) shall… be honoured as a Public Holiday.”
Iqbal Day: The government declares a holiday for November 9
Iqbal Day will be observed as a bank holiday, according to the national bank.
Due to Allama Iqbal Day being a public holiday on November 9, 2022, the State Bank of Pakistan announced that it would be closed on that day.
On Iqbal Day, the stock market would also be closed.
An announcement from Pakistan Stock Exchange stated, “All TRE Certificate Holders, Staff and Concerned are hereby advised that Pakistan Stock Exchange Limited would stay closed on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 on account of Allama Iqbal Day.”
In addition, the Balochistani government proclaimed a public holiday in the region.
“It is notified for general information that 9th November 2022 (Wednesday) shall be observed as a public holiday in Balochistan Province on the occasion of Allah Iqbal Day,” the Balochistan government stated in an official handout. “In continuation of Government of Pakistan, Cabinet Secretariate, Cabinet Division, Islamabad’s Press Release No.10/01/2022-Min-II dated 08th November 2022.
The government of Sindh followed following with the Center after Balochistan.
“In honour of Iqbal Day, the government of Sindh has declared Wednesday, November 9, 2022, a public holiday for all government and autonomous body offices in the province of Sindh. Companies under the administrative supervision of the Government of Sindh, excluding those providing critical services, as well as the divisions and offices tasked with COVID-19 prevention and control, and obligations related to rain emergencies “a notice from the provincial government was read.
Millions of Muslims throughout the subcontinent were greatly influenced by Dr. Iqbal in their quest for a free-practicing homeland for Islam.
The day would begin with special prayers offered at mosques for Pakistan’s development and prosperity.
Dr. Iqbal was born in Sialkot on November 9, 1877, and is frequently referred to as the “Poet of the East” in Pakistan and other areas of the world.
Iqbal was a well-known poet and thinker. He is recognised with creating poetry and using his political clout to call for the establishment of a Muslim homeland apart from other nations.
His speech at Allahabad in 1930 marked a turning point in pre-partition politics.
In his speech, Allama Iqbal gave Muslims on the subcontinent a defined goal and distinct identity: Pakistan.
At his tomb in Lahore, a ceremony to change the guard will also take place.
