The Iqbal Conference organised by the Human Rights Council of Pakistan at Idara Farogh-e-Qoumi Zuban in Islamabad brought scholars, civil society and students together to reflect on Allama Iqbal’s enduring message for global humanity. The event emphasised how the Iqbal Conference serves as a bridge between philosophical thought and contemporary social challenges.
Dr Amjad Kalu chaired the session and welcomed a distinguished panel including Professor Dr Fatah Muhammad Malik, Jamshid Hussain chairman of the Human Rights Council of Pakistan, Muhammad Ali (President Mashal), Dr Samina Awan, Abdul Basit, Azeem Kashmiri, Dr Sajid Muhammad Awan, advocate Hammad Abbasi, Abrar ul Haq, poet Kashif Kamal, journalist Farhat and President Murad Ali, alongside faculty members, researchers and large numbers of students. The Youth Model National Assembly, led by President Muhammad Saad, also participated with its team.
During his address, Professor Dr Fatah Muhammad Malik said that Allama Iqbal’s ideas are not confined to a single nation but offer guidance for all humanity. He noted that the Iqbal Conference highlighted Iqbal’s effort to link East and West intellectually and to remind people of their true purpose.
Chairman Jamshid Hussain observed that Iqbal inspired a spirit of selfhood and freedom among oppressed nations and that his philosophy continues to offer hope, resolve and moral formation for young people. Speakers throughout the programme framed Iqbal’s thought as a call for unity, justice and respect for human dignity in today’s global context.
Students delivered stirring speeches and dialogues based on Iqbal’s poetry, while famed flutist Afzal created a moving atmosphere with musical renditions of Iqbal’s verses that earned warm appreciation from the audience. At the close of the event, special guests were presented with commemorative shields in recognition of their participation.
The conference reiterated Iqbal’s central teaching, often recalled in his own lines, translated as ‘Raise your selfhood so high that before every destiny God Himself will ask, tell me what is your will’. The day-long gathering underlined the continuing relevance of Iqbal’s philosophy for human rights, literary discourse and youth leadership across Pakistan and beyond.
