Pakistan Embassy Spain

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s Message on Iqbal Day, 149th Birth Anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, 9 November 2026. On the auspicious occasion of Iqbal Day, I pay my profound tribute to Allama Muhammad Iqbal, the Poet of the East. Allama Iqbal awakened political consciousness among the Muslims of the Subcontinent, inspiring them to recognise and assert their distinct national identity. This consciousness of a separate identity played a pivotal role in their historic struggle for the creation of an independent homeland. Allama Iqbal was a person of exceptional intellectual stature and profound wisdom. The enduring thought of this eminent philosopher and visionary continues to broaden intellectual horizons and foster the intellectual growth of our youth and future generations. As a distinguished philosopher of Islam, Allama Iqbal explored the profound intellectual dimensions of Islamic teachings. His Islamic thought continues to offer meaningful and practical guidance to Muslims in their individual and collective lives. The Government will commence the year long commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Allama Iqbal from today, culminating on 9 November next year. A comprehensive programme of national and international events is being formally launched, featuring international conferences, academic and research seminars, literary festivals, exhibitions, educational competitions and cultural activities.These commemorative initiatives aim to preserve and transmit Iqbal’s rich intellectual legacy to future generations. The Government is firmly committed to ensuring that Iqbal’s thought remains a dynamic and integral part of our educational institutions, national discourse and development priorities. Intellectual awakening, character building and collective renewal must, undoubtedly, form an essential part of our national objectives. Allama Iqbal’s concept of Khudi (selfhood) teaches us that individuals and nations can transform their destinies through self-realisation, purposeful endeavor and spiritual emancipation. Allama Iqbal reposed immense confidence in the youth, whom he regarded as the architects of the nation’s future. His concept of the Shaheen (falcon) embodies courage, independence, lofty aspirations and an unwavering pursuit of excellence. Iqbal’s thought champions peace, social harmony, tolerance and justice as indispensable pillars of sustainable national development. His philosophy of life categorically rejects hatred, extremism, sectarianism and discrimination. At the international level, Iqbal’s message of Muslim unity, universal brotherhood and peaceful coexistence retains profound relevance. Guided by Iqbal’s intellectual vision, Pakistan will continue to champion unity and solidarity among the Muslim Ummah and support the peaceful resolution of international disputes. Allama Iqbal’s timeless message, rooted in individual, national and universal values, continues to illuminate our path and serve as a guiding beacon for the nation. Let us renew our resolve to deepen our understanding of Iqbal’s message, promote rigorous scholarly research into his thought, foster creative thinking and strengthen our national character.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif's Message on Jammu & Kashmir Black Day, 27 October 2026. Seventy-nine years ago, Indian forces landed in Srinagar, marking the beginning of a tragic chapter in the history of Jammu and Kashmir, one that continues to cast its long shadow over the region to this day. Since then, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have been denied the realization of their inalienable right to self-determination, as affirmed in the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. The people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) have endured immense hardship, suffering and repression. Yet their courage, resilience and unwavering resolve to secure their fundamental rights remain undiminished. The sacrifices of successive generations stand as a powerful testament to their enduring commitment to freedom, dignity and justice. India has continued its efforts to suppress legitimate political expression and silence the voices that represent the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. The prolonged incarceration of Kashmiri political leaders, activists and human rights defenders remains deeply concerning. It underscores the need for due process, respect for basic liberties, and greater international attention to the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. Since 5 August 2019, India has taken a series of unilateral measures in IIOJK, accompanied by sweeping restrictions on fundamental freedoms. These measures, affecting the political, legal and demographic character of the territory, have drawn serious international attention. Pakistan has consistently called for these developments to be addressed in accordance with international law and the applicable United Nations Security Council resolutions. Pakistan's position on Jammu and Kashmir remains clear, consistent and principled. Lasting peace and stability in South Asia cannot be achieved without a just and peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. On this solemn occasion, I pay tribute to the countless Kashmiri men, women and children who have offered immense sacrifices in pursuit of their rights. Their memory will always be honoured. The aspirations of the Kashmiri people cannot be extinguished through coercion or repression. On this Jammu & Kashmir Black Day, the Government and people of Pakistan reaffirm their unwavering solidarity with the people of IIOJK. Pakistan will continue to extend its moral, diplomatic and political support to the Kashmiri people, and to advocate for their legitimate rights at every national and international forum. May the people of Jammu and Kashmir realize a future of lasting peace, dignity and security, and the fulfilment of their aspirations, including the right to self-determination.