
The Pakistan Embassy in Brussels hosted a commemorative event to honor the 147th birth anniversary of Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal, the visionary poet, philosopher, and inspiration behind the idea of Pakistan. The gathering celebrated Iqbal’s enduring legacy as the "Poet of the East" and acknowledged his profound contributions to literature, philosophy, and the movement for self-determination and spiritual awakening.
The event began with a recitation from the Holy Quran, setting a reverent and reflective tone. The program, eloquently facilitated by Press Counsellor Saghir Anwar Watoo, included a special documentary on Dr. Iqbal's life and achievements, illustrating his journey and impact on intellectual and political thought. Heartfelt poetry recitations followed, featuring Imran Saqib, President of the Pakistan Press Club in Belgium, along with esteemed poets Shiraz Raj, Ms. Robina Kausar and Mr. Saghir Anwar Wattoo. Together, they recited selected verses from Iqbal’s works and their own poetry, bringing the depth and eloquence of Iqbal’s message of unity, self-awareness, and resilience to life
The keynote address was delivered by Syed Ijaz Hussain Saifi, a distinguished scholar from the Netherlands, who reflected on Iqbal’s philosophical contributions. Mr. Saifi emphasized Iqbal's call for self-discovery, the pursuit of knowledge, and social progress, underscoring the timeless relevance of his ideas in today’s world. He highlighted how Iqbal’s philosophy continues to inspire both individual and collective paths of development. In his remarks, Chargé d'Affaires Mr. Faraz Zaidi expressed heartfelt gratitude to the participants, acknowledging the poets and the keynote speaker, Mr. Saifi, for eloquently sharing Iqbal's vision with the audience. “Iqbal’s call for self-realization remains as powerful today as ever,” Mr. Zaidi stated, “and his words continue to serve as a beacon for Pakistan and the world, guiding us toward a future built on wisdom, strength, and resilience.”
The event drew a diverse audience, including students, journalists, and members of the Pakistani community, who expressed their appreciation for the Embassy’s meaningful celebration of "Iqbal Day."" The gathering underscored the Embassy’s commitment to preserving and promoting the rich cultural and intellectual heritage of Pakistan, inspired by the vision and teachings of Dr. Allama Iqbal.