Latest news with #AllamaIqbal
Express Tribune
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Iqbal, China and the Muslim world
Listen to article More than a century ago, Allama Iqbal issued a timeless call: for Muslims to rise above rhetoric and embrace real work grounded in knowledge, science and self-discipline. His poetry, pulsating with spiritual urgency and civilisational insight, did not glorify past empires but urged a reconstruction of thought and society. That call has never been more relevant than it is today. The post-WWI world order fundamentally altered the trajectory of Muslim societies. With disintegration of the Ottoman Caliphate and the subsequent colonisation of the Arab heartlands, political agency of Muslims was replaced by fragmentation, subservience and ideological confusion. In the century that followed, many Muslim-majority nations failed to develop strong institutions or meaningful influence in global affairs. While pockets of wealth and modernity emerged — often due to oil or strategic alliances — the deeper foundations of progress remained weak or absent. The 21st century has laid bare this civilisational lag. The Middle East is mired in conflict, authoritarianism and foreign interference. South Asia wrestles with sectarianism and economic volatility. Even relatively stable Muslim states often suffer from weak education systems, declining scientific output and overreliance on external patronage. Worse still, many remain trapped in ideological rhetoric without building the internal capacities needed for real sovereignty. The tragic examples of Iraq, Libya, and now Iran offer stark lessons. Each, in its own way, challenged Western dominance but they did so without the necessary economic, technological or diplomatic strength. Iraq was destroyed under the false pretense of WMDs. Libya imploded into chaos following the toppling of Gaddafi. Iran, isolated for decades, continues to face economic hardship, international sanctions, and now aggression. In all cases, resistance without capacity led to ruin, not renewal. In contrast stands China - a nation that, without sacrificing its sovereignty or succumbing to colonial hangovers, has managed a remarkable rise. China's ascent did not begin with defiance or provocation but with a disciplined focus on human development, industrial capacity and strategic patience. It educated its people, modernised its infrastructure and embedded itself in the global economy. It avoided open conflict with the West while gradually becoming indispensable to it. While one must be critical of China's authoritarianism and human rights record, there is much to learn from its strategic posture. China did not seek validation through ideological slogans or military muscle-flexing. It sought power through productivity. The real confrontation the Muslim world faces today is not with the West but with internal decay. This includes decaying education systems, corrupt political elites more interested in power than reform, and religious discourse often disconnected from ethics, science and the needs of modern societies. Without addressing these root causes, no amount of protest, pan-Islamic rhetoric or diplomatic manoeuvring will yield meaningful change. Iqbal understood this. He was not a romantic who merely yearned for a return to the Caliphate. He envisioned a revival rooted in selfhood (khudi), character and relentless striving. He saw Islam not as a nostalgic identity but as a moral and intellectual project — open to the world, engaged with its complexities and capable of shaping its future. The Muslim world must now reimagine its priorities. It must invest heavily in education — not just religious but scientific, technological and philosophical. It must foster cultures of merit, innovation and critical inquiry; focus on building internal strength and institutional resilience; and realise that economic and technological independence is the new foundation of sovereignty. China may not offer a perfect model. But it offers a sobering contrast: a nation once humiliated by colonialism, now quietly reshaping global power through discipline, planning and human development. The Muslim world, if it listens to Iqbal, can do the same — not by mimicking others, but by rediscovering its own intellectual and spiritual DNA, and expressing it through the realities of the modern age.
Business Recorder
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Govt declares 16th as a ‘Day of Gratitude'
ISLAMABAD: The federal government has declared May 16, 2025, as a 'Day of Gratitude' to commemorate the success of Operation Bunyan un Marsoos. The Prime Minister will preside over the ceremony as the chief guest, with the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and heads of the armed forces also in attendance. The day will honour both the people of Pakistan and the armed forces for a 'historic victory in the battle for truth.' According to official sources, the day will begin with Quran recitations and special prayers at mosques across the country. A 31-gun salute in the federal capital and 21-gun salutes in each of the provincial capitals will mark the occasion. Ceremonies for the changing of the guards will take place at the mausoleums of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Karachi and Allama Iqbal in Lahore, alongside national flag-hoisting ceremonies in Islamabad and other provincial capitals. In a series of commemorative activities, floral wreaths will be laid at memorials dedicated to the martyrs of the operation, and prayer ceremonies will be held to pay homage to those who lost their lives. Families of the shaheed soldiers will also be honoured through official visits and tributes. The central event will be held at the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad. Prominent figures from all walks of life, including scholars, civil society members, and public officials, are expected to attend.
The Wire
30-04-2025
- Politics
- The Wire
Bharat Summit Shows New Hope in the Wake of Hatred and Violence
Allama Iqbal, poet laureate of South Asia, wrote a few lines that resonate with my heart at this moment as the Bharat Summit came to an end: Jahaan e taaza ki afkaar e taaza se hai namood Ke sung o khisht se hote nahin jahaan paida (A new world is born with new ideas Stones and bricks do not create new worlds) These lines kept echoing in my ears as I watched the first Bharat Summit, the world's biggest gathering of progressives, in Hyderabad, the jewel capital of Telangana, unfold over two days on April 25-26. From around the world, more than 400 delegates, over 100 progressive parties, ministers, senators, parliamentarians, civil society leaders – young and old, men and women – attended this summit. Delivering global justice was the theme of the event. Meanwhile, it also marked 140 years of the Indian National Congress and 70 years of the Bandung Conference. Just three days before the event, the Kashmir killings shook the world. As a Kashmir-born myself, I mourn with those who lost their beloved family members. I identify with Kashmiris who came to the rescue of the injured and also, once again, who lost their livelihoods. We Kashmiris from all over India are lamenting the loss of precious lives. Also read: At Bharat Summit, Global Leaders Call For 'Unity of Progressives' Against Far-Right Forces Across the globe, voices rose in condemnation; the country was convulsed while most social media handles spewed hatred and venom. At the plenary session of Bharat Summit, held after two days of a packed programme, the Hyderabad Declaration was presented by Salman Khurshid and Anne Linde before a packed hall. Condemning terrorism, the declaration spoke of reshaping the economic paradigm, environmental justice, gender equality, social inclusion and much more. On the stage sat peace-loving leaders from the world over. Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi also spoke at the plenary session. Gandhi spoke of a new lens for Congress which was created in these two days. It was fashioned by leaders who believed in justice and peace. He referred to his Bharat Jodo Yatra of 4,000 kms across the country in which thousands walked with him, and where, he said, he learnt how to listen with empathy. Thereby, to use his favourite phrase, he realised that in this vortex of hatred there needs to be a beacon of love: ' Nafrat ke bazaar mein mohabbat ki dukaan (In the marketplace of hatred, a shop of love)'. What am I taking home from these two days – I, as someone who was nurtured in the India of the 50s, 60s and 70s, where Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Maulana Azad and many others were our leaders and mentors? Their stature is unmatched by present global leadership. I have vivid memories of them at my school functions. For our present youth, all these rahbars (leaders), whose images were beautifully displayed all around the walls of the convention centre, are just history. They look, linger and move on. But it were these people who have inspired this Bharat Summit. To get the world together on one stage, to get more than 100 nations on one platform around the theme of 'delivering global justice and universal peace' was only possible because the organisers, Samruddha Bharat Foundation, let by Pushpraj Deshpande and Telangana government, believed in the principles of these leaders who sacrificed their lives for India to attain freedom from colonial rule. Some of them were gunned down, some were sent to the gallows, and some struggled until the last breath. Inspired by their example, today, the world has signed the Bharat Summit Declaration. This means that these 100 plus nations have given a clarion call. Once again, Iqbal comes to mind when he says that these people with vision will create new habitations. These women and men, participants of Bharat Summit, are looking towards new horizons. When I saw them on the stage, a new dawn was unfolding. There was new hope in the wake of the hatred, violence and bloodbath we have just encountered. The innocent lives who fell to the bullets of terror have created the halo for a new hope. My birthplace Kashmir, convulsed and shattered, has sent a lehr of hope. Telangana, the land of Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb , lived up to its history. As I leave this venue, I know that in the darkest of times, the dawn breaks. Faiz Ahmed Faiz has expressed what sums up the prayer of each person who participated in the Bharat Summit: Dil na umeed to nahin naakaam hee to hai Lambi hai gham ki shaam magar shaam hee to hai. (The heart has hope though it still hasn't won The eve of sorrow is long but it's only the evening.) Syeda Hameed is a writer and the founder chair of the Muslim Women's Forum.
Time Business News
22-04-2025
- Time Business News
Pakistan's Cultural Heritage: Lahore and Karachi
Pakistan is a country steeped in history, where every corner tells a story of resilience, tradition, and progress. Two of its most iconic cities, Lahore and Karachi, stand out for their cultural and historical significance. These bustling metropolises serve as economic powerhouses and are living embodiments of Pakistan's diverse heritage . Lahore, often referred to as the 'Cultural Capital of Pakistan,' has preserved the legacy of its rich Mughal past while nurturing literature, arts, and culinary delights. Karachi, known as the 'City of Lights,' is a melting pot of cultures and a financial hub and reflects modern Pakistani resilience. Together, these cities form the dual heartbeat of the nation, each contributing uniquely to its identity. If you're a culture enthusiast, history buff, or travel lover, join us on this vibrant exploration of Lahore and Karachi. Lahore's deep historical roots trace back to the Mughal Empire, where the city flourished as a hub for art, architecture, and culture. This grandeur is still evident in its majestic landmarks, which were built to showcase Mughal splendour. During the pre-independence era, Lahore emerged as a centre for intellectual discussion, political movements, and the eventual push for Pakistan's independence. The Lahore Resolution passed in 1940 at Minto Park (now Iqbal Park) paved the way for the creation of Pakistan. Even today, Lahore pulsates with a dynamic energy shaped by its historical legacy. No visit to Lahore is complete without exploring its architectural masterpieces: Lahore Fort and Shalimar Gardens: Both UNESCO World Heritage Sites reflect the ingenuity and grandeur of Mughal architecture. Both UNESCO World Heritage Sites reflect the ingenuity and grandeur of Mughal architecture. Badshahi Mosque: This 17th-century mosque epitomizes Mughal artistic brilliance, exuding spiritual reverence. This 17th-century mosque epitomizes Mughal artistic brilliance, exuding spiritual reverence. Minar-e-Pakistan: Symbolizing independence, this iconic structure stands tall, marking where the Lahore Resolution was passed. These landmarks offer a glimpse into Lahore's glorious past and remind visitors of its role in shaping Pakistan's identity. Lahore has always been a cradle of art and literature. The annual Lahore Literary Festival showcases international and local literary works, fostering a celebration of ideas and storytelling. The Alhamra Arts Council, known for promoting performing arts, hosts plays, musical performances, and art exhibitions. Lahore also takes pride in being home to legendary poets like Allama Iqbal, whose work inspires generations. Lahore is a paradise for food lovers. Its iconic food streets, including Gawalmandi and Anarkali Bazaar, are bursting with Punjabi flavours. Must-try dishes include: Nihari: A slow-cooked stew rich in spices. A slow-cooked stew rich in spices. Paaye: A traditional dish made with goat or beef trotters. A traditional dish made with goat or beef trotters. Lahori Chargha: A marinated and deep-fried chicken delicacy. Lahore's food embodies its lively culture, inviting locals and visitors to indulge in its flavours. Festivals in Lahore are vibrant and colourful. Historically, the Basant Festival marked the onset of spring with kite flying, filling the skies with hues of yellow and green. While the festival is no longer commonly celebrated due to safety concerns, it remains a cherished memory for many. Festive Eid celebrations light up the city's streets, connecting deeply to its cultural roots. Once a small fishing village, Karachi transformed into a bustling port city during British rule and became the financial capital of Pakistan. Post-independence, Karachi became Pakistan's first capital and the centre of its economic activities. Home to the Karachi Stock Exchange, myriad industries, and bustling ports, the city is vital in driving Pakistan's economy. Karachi boasts its own set of historical and modern landmarks, including: Quaid-e-Azam's Mausoleum: A majestic white marble structure honouring Pakistan's founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah. A majestic white marble structure honouring Pakistan's founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Clifton Beach: Offering an escape to Karachi's vibrant coastline, it's one of the most visited spots for families and travellers alike. Offering an escape to Karachi's vibrant coastline, it's one of the most visited spots for families and travellers alike. Mohatta Palace: Built in the 1920s, this Indo-Saracenic structure now showcases mesmerizing artworks and historical artefacts. Karachi's unique identity stems from its incredible diversity. It's a city where Sindhi, Balochi, Pashtun, and Muhajir communities coexist, creating a harmonious blend of traditions, languages, and cuisines. This diversity of culture gives Karachi a dynamic and inviting spirit. From contemporary art galleries like T2F to energetic theatre productions, Karachi is always brimming with creativity. The city is also the hub for Pakistan's music scene, nurturing genres from pop to soulful Sufi music. Karachi's culinary treasures reflect its multicultural identity. Some must-try delights include: Biryani: A spicy, flavorful rice dish that Karachi has perfected. A spicy, flavorful rice dish that Karachi has perfected. Karachi Halwa: A traditional sweet treat with a hint of nostalgia. A traditional sweet treat with a hint of nostalgia. Street Food: Whether it's Bun Kebabs or Spicy Chaat, Karachi's street food scene has something for everyone. The city celebrates creativity through events like the Karachi Literature Festival, which attracts global literary figures. Major fashion shows also find their stage in Karachi, showcasing the country's rising talent in fashion design. Meanwhile, the sea festivals celebrate Karachi's coastal charm, bringing together locals and tourists. Lahore and Karachi contribute to Pakistan's resilience, showcasing their cities as history, culture, and innovation centres. Their roles in politics, education, and the arts have helped shape Pakistan's modern narrative. Lahore's timeless charm and Karachi's modern high-rises illustrate how tradition and progress coexist harmoniously. Internationally recognized as cultural treasures, Lahore and Karachi attract tourists seeking a vibrant mix of history, culture, and hospitality. Preserving Lahore's Mughal-era monuments and Karachi's colonial architecture is essential. Despite challenges such as urbanization and lack of awareness, efforts by local authorities and initiatives by cultural organizations continue to protect these invaluable assets. With better promotion, festivals in both cities have the potential to attract global audiences, presenting immense opportunities for cultural tourism. Lahore and Karachi represent the soul of Pakistan's cultural heritage. From their stunning architecture and rich history to their culinary delights and festivities, these cities offer something for every traveller, historian, and culture enthusiast. Discover their allure and experience two cities that embody Pakistan's heart and spirit. Whether strolling through Lahore's Mughal gardens or exploring Karachi's vibrant streets, a world of culture awaits you. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Business Recorder
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
87th death anniversary of Allama Iqbal marked
LAHORE: The 87th death anniversary of philosopher poet and thinker, Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal was observed on Monday, acknowledging his services for Muslims of the subcontinent. Born on November 9, 1877, in Sialkot, Dr Allama Iqbal died on April 21, 1938. Allama Iqbal was a great visionary poet, who conceived the idea of a separate homeland for the Muslims of the Sub-continent, which was later materialized in the form of Pakistan. Allama Iqbal through his poetry and thoughts awakened the Muslims to seek knowledge and realize their potential for real objectives. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi paid rich tribute to the Poet of the East, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, acknowledging his profound contributions to the ideological foundation of Pakistan and the broader Muslim world. In a message, he lauded Iqbal's visionary philosophy and termed his thoughts a timeless source of guidance for the nation. 'Allama Iqbal was not just a poet but a philosopher, thinker, and visionary whose teachings still illuminate our path,' Naqvi said. Highlighting the relevance of Iqbal's message in the modern era, the minister stated, 'Iqbal gave a universal message of selfhood, unity, and brotherhood. His philosophy of 'Khudi' (self-realization) is a call to awaken the inner strength of individuals and nations alike.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
