Iqbal Academy to be provided patronage: minister

LAHORE : Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Syed Jamal Shah said that the government would provide Iqbal Academy Pakistan (IAP) all kinds of support and patronage so that it can play its role in a better way. He expressed these views while presiding over the 60th meeting of Governing Body of Iqbal Academy Pakistan held at Aiwan-e-Iqbal on Friday.

He said that the government wanted to see Iqbal Academy, a national institution for the promotion of Iqbal's thought, more strong and active.

He expressed the hope that the guidance and recommendations of governing body members would help Iqbal Academy Pakistan (IAP) to pursue its mission of promoting Iqbal's works and messages among the younger generation. Jamal Shah said that it was the efforts of our scholars due to which the tradition of understanding the teachings of Iqbal was progressing in a good way. Earlier, the board offered Fateha on the demise of renowned Iqbal scholar and former member governing body Prof Dr Rafiuddin Hashmi and paid tribute to his services on Iqbal Studies.

IAP Director Dr Abdul Rauf Rafiqui briefed the members about performance and agenda items.

The governing body constituted a committee to determine the feasibility for establishment of Iqbal Academy's sub-offices in provincial capitals of Pakistan including Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan. The governing body also encouraged the Iqbal Academy to adopt modern marketing tools to enhance the sale of products of the academy through online stores. The efforts of Dr Abdul Rauf Rafiqui were appreciated for successfully organising the International Iqbal Conference recently.

Later, the federal minister along with DOAM DG Dr Abdul Azeem and Director IAP visited the old residence of Allama Iqbal located at 116-MacLeod Road in connection with the conservation and preservation of almost a century old building.

DOAM DG briefed the minister regarding the preservation plan of the building. It is pertinent to mention that the federal government is working on the restoration of the said building.