Waleed Iqbal highlights Iqbal’s universal message of humanity and brotherhood
A high-level delegation from Pakistan, led by renowned lawyer, former Senator and grandson of Poet of the East Allama Dr. Muhammad Iqbal, Mr. Walid Iqbal, visited Mauritius from November 10 to 15, 2026, to participate in a series of Iqbal Day celebrations and promote the universal message, philosophy and teachings of Allama Muhammad Iqbal. The delegation included Mr. Walid Iqbal and his spouse, Ms. Syeda Nuria; Mr. Faisal Zahid Malik, Chairman & CEO of Pakistan Observer; Mr. Shahid Sethi, Honorary Consul of Mauritius in Lahore, accompanied by his spouse, Ms. Qaisra Rathore; and Mr. Sohail Yasin Suleman, Honorary Consul of Mauritius in Karachi, accompanied by his spouse, Ms. Masooma Sohail.
The delegation was received in Mauritius by H.E. Munsoo Kurrimbaccus, High Commissioner of Mauritius in Pakistan. During the visit, several academic, literary, cultural and diplomatic engagements were organised in honour of Walid Iqbal, bringing together members of the Pakistani and Mauritian communities, state dignitaries, government representatives, diplomats, academics, intellectuals and prominent personalities. The celebrations focused on the theme of universal brotherhood, religious tolerance, respect for other faiths, freedom of intellectual expression and the relevance of Allama Iqbal’s philosophy in the contemporary world.
In his addresses during the various engagements, Walid Iqbal highlighted the philosophy and teachings of his illustrious grandfather, emphasising that Allama Iqbal’s message was not confined to any particular nation, race, colour or language but offered guidance for all humanity. He referred to Allama Iqbal’s New Year’s message of 1st January 1938, in which the great poet emphasised that human brotherhood transcends all distinctions of race, nationality, language and colour. He also discussed the historic Allahabad Address of 1930 and selected verses from the celebrated collection Bal-e-Jibreel, highlighting the importance of intellectual potential, self-realisation and the human ability to rise beyond limitations.
Speaking about religious tolerance, Walid Iqbal shared an incident from Allama Iqbal’s life, recalling how the great poet encouraged the governess of his children to allow his young daughter to continue studying at school where she was being taught the Bible, emphasising that children should have opportunities to learn about other religions while also receiving Quranic education at home. He observed that Allama Iqbal’s concept of humanity was rooted in love, respect, tolerance and mutual harmony, principles that remain particularly relevant in today’s world.
The famous poem for children, “Lab Pe Aati Hai Dua Ban Ke Tamanna Meri,” was also highlighted during the celebrations. Its moral and educational message was discussed with particular emphasis on the pursuit of knowledge, patriotism, integrity, professional excellence, courage, faith, personal development and service to humanity.
Walid Iqbal also emphasised the importance of character-building, self-confidence, education and preparing the younger generation for future responsibilities, stating that Allama Iqbal’s philosophy continues to serve as a guiding light for young people. Walid Iqbal also emphasised that the story of Allama Iqbal’s life serves as a living example of how, however humble one’s beginnings may be, academic excellence can propel an individual to reach the heights of fame, respect and recognition across the globe. The celebrations were supported by several prominent organisations in collaboration with the Pakistan High Commission in Mauritius and the Ministry of Arts and Culture.
The Association of Friends of Pakistan in Mauritius played the leading role in coordinating the entire visit, facilitating the various engagements and organising the Iqbal Day celebrations. Its efforts were instrumental in ensuring the successful execution of the overall programme. Dr. Rafiq Peerbhux, President of Friends of Pakistan, and Mr. Asad Bhuglah played an important role in coordinating and organising the special programmes, which were widely appreciated by the visiting delegation. Other prominent organisations and their representatives also made valuable contributions, including Mr. Tariq Bhatti, Honorary Chairman of the National Urdu Institute; Mrs. Abida Alladee, Chairperson of the Urdu Speaking Union; Mr. Raffick Samtally, President of the Muslim Youth Federation; and Mr. Mohammedally Mowna, Chairman of the Islamic Cultural Centre.
The Urdu Speaking Union also independently organised a special programme in honour of Mr. Walid Iqbal to promote Allama Iqbal’s poetry, philosophy and universal message among the Urdu-speaking community. Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Mauritius, Mr. Zahid Raza, hosted a special dinner in honour of the visiting Pakistani delegation. The gathering provided an opportunity for warm interaction among the visiting dignitaries, members of the Pakistani community and other distinguished guests, further strengthening the spirit of friendship and goodwill.
During the visit, Walid Iqbal and the Pakistani delegation also held important diplomatic engagements, including a courtesy meeting with H.E. Dharam Gokhool, President of the Republic of Mauritius. The delegation also had the opportunity to engage with H.E. Cassam Uteem, former President of the Republic of Mauritius, and H.E. Raouf Bundhun, former Vice President of Mauritius. The delegation also held meetings and interactions with several senior government officials, including Hon. Marie Navarre, Deputy Prime Minister; Hon. Shakeel Mohamed, Senior Minister and a senior-ranking member of the Government of Mauritius; Hon. Reza Uteem, Minister of Labour; Hon. Osman Mahomed, Minister of Land Transport; and Hon. Aadil Ameer Mea, Minister of Industry. Special recognition was accorded to Hon.
Shakeel Mohamed, who, despite having arrived in Mauritius only the previous day after travelling overseas, made a special effort to attend the Iqbal Day function held the previous evening. Despite experiencing jet lag, he personally attended the event, demonstrating his respect for Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s philosophy and his appreciation of the longstanding friendship and cultural ties between Pakistan and Mauritius.
The visiting Pakistani delegation warmly appreciated his gesture and valued his participation in the celebrations. These high-level engagements focused on strengthening bilateral relations between Pakistan and Mauritius, promoting cultural and literary exchanges, enhancing media cooperation, encouraging educational collaboration and expanding people-to-people contacts. H.E. Munsoo Kurrimbaccus, High Commissioner of Mauritius in Pakistan, also played an important role in facilitating the visit and Iqbal Day celebrations. His efforts helped strengthen the cultural and diplomatic engagement between the two countries and supported the successful participation of the Pakistani delegation. The celebrations also provided an opportunity for interaction with the Pakistani community residing in Mauritius, further strengthening the bonds between overseas Pakistanis and their homeland.
The events were attended by Dr. Rafiq Peerbhux, President of Friends of Pakistan; Mr. Mohammedally Mowna, Chairman of the Islamic Cultural Centre; Mr. Tariq Bhatti, Honorary Chairman of the National Urdu Institute; Chairman Syed Zahid Raza; Mr. Asad Bhuglah; Mrs. Abida Alladee, Chairperson of the Urdu Speaking Union; Mr. Raffick Samtally, President of the Muslim Youth Federation; and other prominent personalities from different walks of life.
The proceedings of various programmes also involved several community representatives and organisers, including Maida Ozeir Khan, Faiz Ameerdi, Dr. Rehan Ozeir Khan, Dawood Panchoo, Dr. Farhad Kawoore and Dr. Yousuf Kenu. The organisers and participants appreciated Walid Iqbal’s visit and his valuable contribution to promoting Allama Iqbal’s philosophy among the younger generation and the wider international community. Speakers agreed that Allama Iqbal’s philosophy of selfhood, knowledge, unity, tolerance and service to humanity continues to serve as a beacon of guidance for the world. The visit by the Pakistani delegation and the series of Iqbal Day celebrations played an important role in further strengthening friendship, diplomatic relations, cultural exchanges and academic and literary ties between Pakistan and Mauritius.
