Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari has said that the Poet of the East Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal's legacy goes well beyond his literary works.

In his message on the birth anniversary of Allama Iqbal, President Asif Ali Zardari said 'Today, we mark the birth anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, the poet-philosopher whose vision helped awaken the spirit of independence and self-determination among the Muslims of the Subcontinent. In his address at the All-India Muslim League session in 1930, he emphasised the importance of securing the rights of Muslims which laid the foundation for a sovereign nation'.

President Zardari said that Allama Iqbal's legacy goes well beyond his literary works such as Asrar-e-Khudi, Rumuz-e-Bekhudi and Bang-e-Dara, which explore matters of identity, spirituality and freedom. His insistence on political representation for Muslims and on values rooted in Islam has left a lasting imprint on Pakistan's national identity.

President Zardari said as we pay tribute to this remarkable personality, we renew our commitment to his principles and to striving for a Pakistan that is prosperous, peaceful and united. Let us draw strength from his life and ideals as we work together to build a brighter tomorrow. May Allama Iqbal's vision guide us in our shared endeavour for progress, and may his legacy continue to inspire generations.

Meanwhile Chairman Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has paid glowing tribute to Allama Dr. Muhammad Iqbal, the Poet of the East, on his birth anniversary.

According to the statement issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, Chairman PPP said in his message that Iqbal's vision of a free and progressive nation continues to inspire generations to believe in themselves and work for the collective good. He further said that Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto carried Iqbal's dream forward by empowering the people and defending democracy.

Concluding his message, Bilawal Bhutto urged the nation: 'On this day, let us pledge to build the Pakistan that Iqbal envisioned-a nation of hope, equality, and dignity for all, led by the courage of its youth.