Last Updated on: 8th November 2024, 02:04 pm
The Government of Pakistan has officially announced Saturday, November 9, 2024, as a public holiday in honor of Allama Iqbal Day. This celebration is a tribute to Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal, a renowned philosopher, poet, and politician who inspired the movement that led to the creation of Pakistan.
The Cabinet Division issued a notification that this holiday is in line with an earlier circular on December 20, 2023, listing statutory and optional holidays for 2024.
Official Notification on November 9 Holiday
The Cabinet Secretary, Kamran Ali Afzal, signed an announcement that was widely circulated in the media in English and Urdu to inform the public about the holiday. The notification was also forwarded to senior government officials, including federal ministers, the Attorney General, the Chief Election Commissioner, and heads of several autonomous organizations. In addition, departments such as ISI, IB, NAB, and law enforcement agencies have received the notification.
Brief History of an Iqbal Day
Iqbal Day is a tribute to Dr. Allama Iqbal, who is often referred to as the ‘spiritual father of Pakistan’. His influential poems and philosophies resonated widely among the Muslim community during the British rule and helped shape the future of Pakistan. After a hiatus in 2015, Iqbal Day was reinstated as a public holiday in 2022 and was celebrated last year as well. The list of holidays for 2024 confirms that the day is a national observance.
Important Details of Iqbal Day:
- Date: 9 November 2024
- Occasion: Celebrating the contributions of Dr. Allama Iqbal
- Status: National Holiday
- History: Discontinued in 2015, bring back in 2022
Different Cultural Events on Iqbal Day
On Iqbal Day, educational institutions and cultural organisations frequently host events like poetry readings, discussions on Iqbal’s philosophy, and presentations that explore his impact on Pakistan’s identity.
Why is November 9 a public holiday in Pakistan?
November 9 marks Allama Iqbal Day, a tribute to Dr. Iqbal’s role as a philosopher and poet who inspired the creation of Pakistan.
Are the schools and government offices closed on Iqbal Day?
Yes, as it is an official holiday, schools, government offices, and many businesses will close on November 9, 2024.
Also Read: Govt Observes 20 August as Public Holiday for the annual Urs of Bhittai
Last Words
People will celebrate this day with cultural events across the country, paying tribute to Iqbal’s vision and lasting contribution to the creation of Pakistan.