KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Thursday announced that banks will remain closed on November 9 on the occasion of Iqbal Day, the birth anniversary of poet of the East Muhammad Iqbal.
November 9 is celebrated as “Iqbal Day” across Pakistan on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal. This year will be the 147th anniversary of his birth.
Dr. Iqbal was instrumental in inspiring millions of Muslims across the Indian subcontinent to seek an independent homeland where they could practice Islam freely.
The day will be brightened with special prayers in mosques for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan.
Dr. Iqbal, popularly known in Pakistan and other parts of the world as the “Poet of the East”, was born in Sialkot on November 9, 1877.
Iqbal was a famous poet and philosopher. He is credited with writing poetry and using his political influence to demand the creation of a separate homeland for Muslims.
His speech in Allahabad in 1930 was a watershed moment in pre-Partition politics.
Allama Iqbal’s speech gave a clear direction and separate identity to the Muslims of the subcontinent to achieve Pakistan.
A changing of the guard ceremony will also be held at his shrine in Lahore on Saturday.
