A smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Navy assumed the charge of guards in an impressive Change of Guard Ceremony held at mausoleum of Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal on Wednesday as the nation celebrates 145th birth anniversary of the National Poet. The poet of East with the vision of independent state inspired the creation of Pakistan, said a Pakistan Navy media release. The contingent of Pakistan Navy assumed ceremonial guard duties with traditional spirit and enthusiasm.The outgoing Pakistan Rangers Punjab ceremoniously handed over the guard duties to Pakistan Navy.
Pakistan Navy Station Commander at Lahore, Commodore Sajid Hussain graced the occasion as the chief guest, who presented a mark of respect at Allama Iqbal mausoleum.
The ceremonial Guard mounting was followed by floral wreath laying at the mausoleum by Chief Guest on behalf of Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi, Officers, Sailors and Navy Civilians of Pakistan Navy.
Later on, Station Commander offered Fateha and recorded his remarks in the visitor book paying rich tribute to the National Poet. The ceremony was attended by civil and military dignitaries and large number of general public.
On the other hand, on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Allama Iqbal, a public holiday has been declared across the country today (Wednesday). Federal and provincial institutions will remain closed on this day, while all private and public educational institutions of the country, State Bank and other federal and provincial departments have also been declared a holiday today.
The 145th birth anniversary of national poet Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal is being observed today (Wednesday) all over the country with traditional zeal and enthusiasm.
The federal government has announced November 9 as a public holiday, in connection with the birth anniversary of the country’s national poet and philosopher Allama Muhammad Iqbal.
Allama Muhammad Iqbal was born in Sialkot on November 9, 1877.
He is also recognised as national poet, and known as Muffakir-e-Pakistan (thinker of Pakistan), Shair-e-Mashriq (poet of the east) and Hakeemul Ummat (doctor of the Muslim ummah) and is credited with sparking the pan-Islamic thought among Muslims of the subcontinent.
