Islamabad : Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry has said that there are efforts, backed by foreign funding, to weaken Pakistan in the same manner as Palestine, Iran, Iraq, and Yemen. However, the government is committed to eliminating internal and external terrorism and ensuring economic development.
He emphasized that it is essential to convey Allama Iqbal’s message of ‘khudi’ (selfhood) to the youth to shape their character. At present, it is vital that we adopt Iqbal’s concept of selfhood and intellectual courage to wisely confront the challenges facing the nation, such as economic crises, educational decline, and the misguidance of youth, says a press release.
He expressed these views while addressing a grand intellectual and cultural event as the chief guest, organized in Islamabad to commemorate the death anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal. The event was jointly organized by the Nazaria-e-Pakistan Foundation, Pakistan Cultural Forum, and Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA). The event was presided over by Federal Minister for Culture, Heritage and Tourism Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, and hosted by Chairman of Pakistan Cultural Forum Zafar Bakhtawari and Chairman of Clean and Green Islamabad Movement Ahsan Bakhtawari. The event was also attended by Head of Foreign Affairs for Jamaat-e-Islami Asif Luqman Qazi, Secretary General of CDA Union Chaudhry Muhammad Yaseen, former Chief Commissioner of Islamabad Tariq Pirzada, and others.
Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said that the solutions to today’s problems can be found in Iqbal’s poetry. He criticized those who level allegations against institutions for cheap fame, stressing that no country can progress without strong institutions. He added that the government will bring youth into the national mainstream by spreading Iqbal’s message.
Aurangzeb Khan Khichi said that Quaid-e-Azam and Iqbal are national heroes and their message and philosophy must reach all educational institutions and students. He stated that Pakistan’s armed forces are alert and ready to counter any kind of aggression and terrorism. All internal and external enemies will be given a befitting response. He declared that the government, people, and armed forces stand united like a rock. Anyone who casts an evil eye on Pakistan will have their eyes gouged out. Each verse of Iqbal’s poetry is worthy of a book, and we must benefit from his message. The years 2026 and 2027 mark the 150th birth anniversaries of Quaid-e-Azam and Iqbal, and they will be celebrated in a grand manner. The ministry and its institutions will always be available for such events. Ahsan Bakhtawari said that the purpose of today’s event is to familiarize the youth with the philosophy and ideology of Iqbal, which, under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam, led to the creation of the great nation of Pakistan.