ISLAMABAD, MAY 21 (DNA) — The Department of Persian Language at the National University of Modern Languages (NUML), in collaboration with the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, organized the 3rd National Commemoration Conference on Allama Iqbal under the theme “Solution to Contemporary Economic, Social, and Environmental Issues in the Light of Iqbal’s Philosophy.”
His Excellency Reza Amiri Moghadam, Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan, graced the event as Chief Guest, while Professor Dr. Muhammad Saleem Mazhar, Director, National Language Promotion Department, delivered the keynote address.
Welcoming the participants, Dean Faculty of Languages Dr. Jameel Asghar Jami emphasised that Allama Iqbal’s poetry holds timeless solutions to the world’s modern-day challenges, but unfortunately, his work has been confined to limited topics in academic and public discourse.
In his keynote speech, Dr. Saleem Mazhar commended NUML for organising a seminar that stimulates deep intellectual reflection. He noted that nations that uphold their civilisation and traditions thrive, whereas those that abandon them face stagnation. He praised Iqbal for awakening the Muslim Ummah through his powerful poetry.
Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam expressed gratitude to the Rector NUML for the opportunity to engage in an intellectual dialogue inspired by Iqbal’s philosophy. He described Iqbal as a poet of love and peace, a visionary who offered new hope to the Islamic world and aimed to unite the Ummah through his message.
The Ambassador highlighted Iqbal’s deep spiritual ties with Iran and stressed that the Muslim world should recognise its own strengths rather than emulating the West. Rector NUML, Major General (Retd.) Shahid Mahmood Kayani, HI(M), in his remarks urged the youth to draw inspiration from Iqbal’s life and teachings.
He emphasised that the future of Pakistan rests on the shoulders of its younger generation, who must prepare themselves for leadership through character, wisdom, and a strong moral foundation rooted in the Quran. He encouraged students to read Kulliyat-e-Iqbal to gain guidance for personal and national development.
The concluding session of the one-day 3rd National Commemoration Conference on Allama Iqbal was held at Iqbal Hall. H.E. Sharifzoda Yusuf, Ambassador of Tajikistan to Pakistan and a proud alumnus of NUML’s English Department, graced the event as Chief Guest. In his address, Ambassador Yusuf paid glowing tribute to Allama Iqbal, lauding his intellectual contributions to the Muslim world.
He shared that Iqbal Day is celebrated with reverence in Tajikistan and called for a deeper engagement with Kulliyat-e-Iqbal to truly understand Iqbal’s vision. He noted that Iqbal’s poetry continues to inspire writers and thinkers in Tajikistan. The Ambassador also expressed his firm resolve to further strengthen bilateral relations with Pakistan and reiterated Tajikistan’s unwavering support for Pakistan, even in challenging times.
In his concluding remarks, Director General NUML, Brig (R) Shahzad Munir, appreciated the efforts of the organisers in successfully hosting the conference. He emphasised that Allama Iqbal is a rare intellectual asset whose legacy transcends borders. Brig Munir urged students to read and reflect on Iqbal’s poetry, which continues to offer guidance and inspiration to the youth.
The event concluded with an award ceremony to honour winners of the Allama Iqbal Photography Competition, celebrating creative interpretations of Iqbal’s message. —DNA
 — The Department of Persian Language at the National University of Modern Languages (NUML),){kind=link}