Iqbal's thought can still be a source of national awakening: Khurram Nawaz Gandapur

Khurram Nawaz Gandapur, Secretary-General of Pakistan Awami Tehreek, stated that the thought of the poet of the East, Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal, remains not only a source of guidance for Pakistan but also for Muslims worldwide. His poetry, philosophy, and ideas represent an intellectual movement that rose against slavery, stagnation, and despair.

He said that in the current era, when the youth is searching for identity and purpose, Iqbal’s thought can serve as a beacon of light for them. He made these remarks while addressing an intellectual session organized at the central secretariat on the occasion of the death anniversary of the poet of the East. A large number of students and teachers from the College of Sharia and Islamic Sciences attended the event, he added.

During his speech, Khurram Nawaz Gandapur said that Allama Dr. Muhammad Iqbal called upon Muslims to embrace selfhood, unity, action, and faith through his poetry. According to Allama Iqbal (RA), selfhood — recognizing oneself and bringing out the latent strengths within — is the key to human greatness. He wanted the youth to be like eagles, soaring high and being self-confident.

Khurram Nawaz Gandapur further stated that the message Allama Iqbal (RA) gave to awaken the Muslim Ummah is still as relevant today. If we want to maintain our national identity and sovereignty, we must give central importance to Iqbal's thought in our educational and social policies. He said that the realization of Allama Iqbal’s dreams should be in the form of a Pakistan where there is a system of justice and equality, universal education, and equal opportunities for youth development. He said that we need to instill in the new generation that true progress is not just about education but also about character building, self-reliance, and a vision for collective welfare.