Change of guard ceremony held at Iqbal's mausoleum on 142nd birth anniversary

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The 142nd birth anniversary of national poet, philosopher Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal is being observed all over the country today (Saturday), and a prestigious change of guard ceremony was held in this regard at his mausoleum in Lahore.

An agile yet smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Navy clad in immaculate whites, assumed ceremonial guard duties with traditional spirit and enthusiasm. Marching to the band tunes, the Naval Contingent took positions at the four corners of the Mazar.

Contingents of Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Rangers formed up outside the Mazar and took positions alongside where both the outgoing and incoming guards were inspected by Station Commander (Navy) Lahore, Commodore Neimatullah.

The ceremonial Guard mounting was followed by floral wreath laying at the Mazar of Allama Iqbal by Station Commander (Navy) on behalf of Chief of the Naval Staff, officers, sailors and civilians of Pakistan Navy. The ceremony was witnessed by a large number of military, civil officials, school children and general public.

Various educational‚ political‚ social and cultural organizations arranged special programmes to portray Iqbal’s philosophy‚ life and his contribution to create awareness among the Muslims of South Asia.  

Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar said in his message on Iqbal Day that Pakistan can become a welfare state by following the teachings of Allama Muhammad Iqbal who enlightened the Muslims of subcontinent through his thought-provoking poetry and philosophy.