By Our Correspondent
LAHORE – Iqbal Academy Pakistan organized All-Pakistan competitions under the theme “Yeh Ghazi Yeh Tere Purasrar Banday”, featuring contests in Iqbal’s poetry recitation, national songs, and painting. The event drew enthusiastic participation from students across the country.
Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, was the Chief Guest at the concluding session, while noted Iqbal scholar Prof. Dr. Brig (R) Waheed uz Zaman Tariq presided.
Addressing the ceremony, Minister Khichi said, “Allama Iqbal’s poetry is a beacon of guidance for the younger generation.” He praised Iqbal Academy’s efforts in promoting cultural and intellectual heritage and announced cash prizes for winning students.
In his remarks, Brig. (R) Waheed uz Zaman Tariq emphasized the timeless relevance of Iqbal’s philosophy of Khudi (selfhood), describing Iqbal’s poetry as both a literary treasure and a guiding code of life for modern times.
Dr. Abdul Rauf Rafiqui, Director of Iqbal Academy Pakistan, expressed gratitude to the participants and reaffirmed the Academy’s commitment to nurturing creativity and connecting students with Iqbal’s vision.
The ceremony opened with a recitation of the Holy Qur’an by Farzeen Asad, followed by a Naat by Fareeha Arif. A large audience—including teachers, parents, students, and people from different walks of life—attended the event, underscoring the wide appeal of Iqbal’s message.
At the conclusion, Minister Khichi and Dr. Rafiqui distributed shields and certificates among the top position-holders in various categories.
