The poet who envisioned Pakistan: Remembering Allama Iqbal on his birth anniversary

Allama Muhammad Iqbal, widely known as Mufakkir-e-Pakistan, played a significant role in shaping the political and intellectual vision that eventually led to the creation of Pakistan.

Born on November 9, 1877, in Sialkot, Iqbal was a renowned poet, philosopher and political thinker whose writings encouraged Muslims of the subcontinent to recognise their identity, pursue education and work towards political empowerment.

One of his most significant contributions came on December 29, 1930, when he delivered his historic Allahabad Address as president of the All-India Muslim League.

In his speech, Iqbal proposed bringing together Punjab, Sindh, the North-West Frontier Province (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) and Balochistan into a consolidated Muslim-majority political unit in north-western India.

His political ideas provided an important intellectual foundation for the Pakistan Movement. Iqbal also maintained correspondence with Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, encouraging him to lead the political struggle for Muslim rights in the subcontinent.

Beyond politics, Iqbal used poetry to inspire Muslims, particularly young people, to develop self-confidence, pursue knowledge and overcome challenges. His works, including Bang-e-Dra, Bal-e-Jibril and Asrar-e-Khudi, continue to influence generations.

Although Iqbal passed away on April 21, 1938, nearly nine years before Pakistan's independence, his vision and intellectual contributions remain an important part of the country's history.

Every year, November 9 is observed as Iqbal Day to honour his contributions to literature, philosophy and the Pakistan Movement.