A dignified change of guard ceremony was held at the mausoleum of Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal on Sunday as the nation celebrated the 149th birth anniversary of the great poet, philosopher and visionary of Pakistan. A smartly dressed contingent of the Pakistan Navy formally assumed ceremonial guard duties at the mausoleum, replacing the contingent of Pakistan Rangers (Punjab), in a traditional ceremony marking the national occasion.
Pakistan Navy Station Commander Lahore Commodore Misbah Ul Amin attended the ceremony as chief guest. He laid a floral wreath at the mausoleum on behalf of Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, as well as the officers, sailors and civilian personnel of the Pakistan Navy.
The chief guest also offered Fateha and paid homage to the national poet, whose philosophical thought and literary contributions played a significant role in shaping the political and intellectual aspirations of Muslims in the Subcontinent. He recorded his remarks in the visitors’ book, paying tribute to Allama Iqbal and acknowledging his enduring contribution to the intellectual, cultural and ideological foundations of Pakistan.
The ceremony reflected the nation’s respect and admiration for the poet of the East, whose message of selfhood, self-confidence, freedom of thought and purposeful struggle continues to inspire generations.
Allama Iqbal’s vision of a separate homeland for Muslims of the Subcontinent remains an important part of Pakistan’s national history. His poetry and philosophical teachings continue to guide the younger generation towards knowledge, character-building, unity and national development.
The change of guard ceremony was attended by dignitaries, members of the media and a large number of citizens, who gathered at the historic mausoleum to pay their respects on the occasion of Iqbal Day. The Pakistan Navy regularly participates in ceremonial activities at national monuments, reflecting its commitment to honouring the country’s founders and national icons.
