LAHORE: (Monday, November 9, 2026): Punjab University Vice Chancellor Dr Muhammad Ali has announced that the university will organise year-long celebrations to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, paying tribute to his outstanding contributions to philosophy, literature, education and the Pakistan Movement. The announcement was made during a ceremony organised by Punjab University at Allama Iqbal Campus to mark Iqbal Day. The ceremony was attended by Punjab University Vice Chancellor Dr Muhammad Ali, senior journalist Salman Ghani, Pro Vice Chancellor Dr Mahmood Saleem, Director General Raihan Sadiq Sheikh, Director Students Affairs Dr Shahzeb Khan, deans, heads of departments and faculty members. Addressing the ceremony, Dr Muhammad Ali said that Punjab University had also organised celebrations to mark the 100th birth anniversary of Allama Iqbal in the past. He said that Allama Iqbal had remained closely associated with the university as a student, teacher, researcher, examiner and curriculum developer. The Vice Chancellor said that Allama Iqbal was a great thinker, poet, Islamic scholar, Sufi and politician. He added that Iqbal was among the greatest personalities ever born in the world, and it was impossible to fully encompass the depth and breadth of his thought. Dr Muhammad Ali said that no tribute could adequately match the stature and services of Allama Iqbal. He announced that Punjab University would strive to transform itself into a centre of Pakistan's national identity and intellectual development in the light of Iqbal's philosophy. Quoting Allama Iqbal's famous verse, "Make the young so capable that they become teachers of the elders," the Vice Chancellor said that universities must equip young people with the knowledge, vision and capabilities to guide society in accordance with Iqbal's philosophy. He emphasised that young people should play their role in building a developed and peaceful Pakistan. He further stressed that special attention must be given to character building of all individuals associated with universities. On the occasion, Punjab University's Music Society presented Kalam-e-Iqbal. Later, Vice Chancellor Dr Muhammad Ali also visited the Iqbal Gallery at the College of Pharmacy.