In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, National Conference President Farooq Abdullah has paid rich tributes to Allama Muhammad Iqbal on Iqbal Day. According to Kashmir Media Service, Farooq Abdullah said Iqbal was a great philosophical poet, thinker and visionary. He said Iqbal was deeply concerned about the plight of the people. He said that his father had a longstanding association with Iqbal. Both shared a commitment to addressing the challenges faced by Kashmiris, he added. Farooq Abdullah said Iqbal’s political thought emphasised reform and upliftment of Muslim societies.

He said Iqbal’s vision and concept of the “higher self” inspired his father’s efforts to transform people’s lives. The NC chief cited land-to-the-tiller reforms, abolition of large estates and gender-neutral voting rights. He also mentioned free education, women’s emancipation and universal adult franchise. He said Iqbal’s ideals continue to guide leaders and citizens. These ideals encourage the pursuit of social justice, equality and progress, he added. Meanwhile, Jamait Hamdani patron Moulana Riyaz Hamdani and chief spokesperson Mir GM Saqi also paid tributes to Allama Iqbal on the occasion.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)