Pakistani Leaders For Rejection Of Extremist Ideas In Iqbal Day Messages

Islamabad, Nov 10, IRNA – The Pakistani president and prime minister have used their messages to mark the 134th birth anniversary of philosopher poet Dr. Allama Mohammad Iqbal to ask the people to reject the armed militant groups. Allama Iqbal Day is being celebrated across Pakistan on Wednesday with special functions to pay homage to the great poet and to highlight his role for the Muslim awakening and unity. The government has announced a closed holiday. TV channels and radio stations are airing special programmes about Iqbal's life and poetry. A contingent of Pakistan Navy took position at the mausoleum in the city of Lahore. A large number of people will visit his grave the whole day to pray for his soul. President Asif Ali Zardari in his message urged the people to reiterate resolve to rebuild Pakistan according to the dream and aspirations of the great visionary Allama Mohammad Iqbal. The president said this can best be done by understanding Islam in the light of his teachings and refusing to let armed militants impose their interpretation of Islamic thought and morality on the people through guns and bullets. 'This indeed is the best tribute we can pay to Allama Iqbal today.' He said Allama Iqbal had first propounded the concept of an independent state for the Muslims in South Asia. The freedom and independence of the people of Pakistan living as an independent nation, is in no small measure due to the great vision of a great visionary Allama Mohammad Iqbal, he said adding, 'We need to comprehend Iqbal's concept of the message of Islam.' The president said the need for understanding Iqbal's message has never been as great as it is today as Islam continues to be ruthlessly exploited by extremists and militants to foist their narrow political agenda on the people and thereby threaten the very existence of Pakistan. The extremists and militants who take up arms for what they call the holy war against anyone who disagrees with them are doing a great disservice to the religion and its teachings, he said adding it is against the spirit of Islam and Iqbal's vision of Pakistan. 'It cannot be allowed; it will not be,' he stressed. 'As we pay homage to Iqbal, let us reiterate our resolve today that we will not allow the religious extremists to tarnish the image of our great religion,' he added. Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani in his message said that Allama Iqbal fully knew that if Muslims wanted to raise their national identity in the context of their religion and way of life, then they will have to set their direction in the backdrop of changing political circumstances. He said Allama Iqbal presented the comprehensive concept of 'Khudi' in his poetry to construct and create collective consciousness and feelings of Muslims, which are basically in harmony with the Islamic teachings. The great poet presented Momin as a symbol who is a practical illustration of Islam and comes up as an exemplary character to guide the Muslims, Gilani noted. He said the political wisdom of Allama Iqbal changed the history of subcontinent. Allama Iqbal made the Muslims realise that they will have to make, the ideological and political affiliation with the universal system of Islam, their destination, he added. The prime minister said dream of Allama Iqbal was fulfilled with the creation of Pakistan and struggle for Pakistan is the best example of a popular movement./end