ISLAMABAD: Glowing tributes were paid to the national poet philosopher, Dr Allama Mohammad Iqbal for awakening the Muslims of the subcontinent for a separate homeland through his inspired poetry and political insight. Politicians, traders and lawyers gathered here on the occasion of 147th birth anniversary of the great poet and urged that success and progress lay in following the teachings of Allama Iqbal. Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) had organised a special function to pay tributes to the poet. Speakers were unanimous that Iqbal’s vision for a separate homeland for Muslims in the subcontinent was a driving force behind Pakistan’s creation and that his poetry, infused with spiritual and philosophical themes, continues to inspire generations. Senior PML-Nleader and senior member Board of Governors, Idara-e-Nazria Pakistan, Raja Mohammad Zafarul Haq said that Allama Mohammad Iqbal is an immortal symbol of Muslim empowerment and human equality. He was the loudest and the most beautiful sound against the economic and political exploitation of the weak by the powerful. He added that his legacy continues to inspire generations, and his work remains a testament to his intellectual brilliance and poetic mastery. Raja Zafarul Haq went on to say that Allama Iqbal equally enjoyed respect and honour in the entire world because of his insights. He suggested that an institution in the name of Allama Mohammad Iqbal should be constituted with the core objective of the betterment of the world. Member Board of Governors, Idara-i-Nazria-i-Pakistan, Barrister Waleed Iqbal in his address highlighted the characteristics of his grandfather as a husband, father, son, friend and the most importantly as human being in the most impressive way. President Ex-Servicemen Society Pakistan and member Board of Governors Idara-i-Nazria-i-Pakistan retired Gen Abdul Qayyum said that Muslims were deprived of all kinds of rights and liberties in that era of discrimination and oppression and the mission of Hazrat Mujadad Alif Saniwas carried forward by Dr Mohammad Iqbal for the socio-economic and educational emancipation of the Muslims. Allama Iqbal day observed in the garrison city and functions arranged in the educational institutes. The ceremony were held at Rawalpindi Arts Council where a large number of people and students participated. They offered Fateh for the departed soul and special prayers for progress and solidarity of the country. They paid rich tribute to the services of Allama Muhammad Iqbal for the Muslims of Subcontinent through his poetry. Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) Director Sajjad Hussain told the gathering that Allama Iqbal created a sense of freedom among the Muslims of Subcontinent through his poetry. Students and other participants showed keen interest in the belongings of Allama Iqbal at the arts council. On the special instructions of Deputy Commissioner Murree Agha Zaheer Abbas Shirazi, a function was organized by Punjab Tourism Squad Murree at GPO Chowk Murree on the occasion of Iqbal Day. To pay tribute to the poet of the East, Dr. Muhammad Iqbal, a salute was given by the team of Punjab Tourism Squad Murree and prayers for him.