NLPD hosted a one-day national seminar on “The Role of Youth in Nation-Building: In Light of Iqbal’s Vision”

Islamabad, The Gulf Observer: According to the report of the News Hub Consultants, in a thought-provoking gathering at the NLPD – National Language Promotion Department, Islamabad, a one-day national seminar, “The Role of Youth in Nation-Building: Illuminated by Iqbal’s Vision,” unfolded with an inspiring call to action for Pakistan’s young generation.

Presiding over the seminar, distinguished intellectual and senator, Professor Mushahid Hussain Syed, passionately addressed the attendees, urging youth to look to Iqbal’s vision as their guiding light for building a progressive, sovereign Pakistan. Special guests included esteemed Professor Dr. Fateh Muhammad Malik, Professor Qaisra Alvi, and renowned international expert Khalid Taimur Akram, with Dr. Rashid Hameed, Executive Director of the National Language Promotion Department who welcomed all the guests and delivered a warm welcome.

Dr. Hina Shahid moderated the event, and Sanaullah Kunjahi mesmerized the audience with a captivating recitation of Iqbal’s poetry. The seminar began with a soul-stirring recitation of the Holy Quran by Hafiz Muhammad Inam-ul-Haq, setting a reflective tone for the event.

Dr. Arshad Mahmood Nashad, Dr. Sher Ali, Dr. Abid Siyal, Dr. Zeenat Afshan and Dr. Rabia Kiyani discussed their analysis.

In his keynote address, Senator Syed underscored a deep, personal connection to Iqbal’s teachings, a legacy inherited from his parents, who held a profound reverence for Iqbal’s philosophy. Reflecting on Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s own respect for Iqbal, Syed quoted Jinnah’s words that if he had to choose between the state and Iqbal, he would choose Iqbal. This sentiment, he noted, is an enduring reminder for today’s generation: progress can only be achieved when a nation honors its cultural heritage, language, and values. He called upon the youth to draw inspiration from Iqbal and Quaid-e-Azam, whose visionary courage shaped Pakistan, urging them to protect this legacy and drive Pakistan forward.

Professor Dr. Fateh Muhammad Malik, addressing the audience, shared that Iqbal’s primary focus was always on the youth — the torchbearers of tomorrow. He stressed that regardless of their ideological backgrounds, the youth must come together in the spirit of national unity to uplift the country, a mission that Iqbal envisioned for his homeland. He also commended Iqbal’s advocacy for making both Urdu and Persian the unifying languages of the nation, connecting Pakistan to a broader cultural tapestry.

Renowned international expert Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram expanded on this message, emphasizing the need to prepare and empower young Pakistanis for the future. Highlighting the strength of social media as a platform, he encouraged the youth to wield it positively, building bridges rather than walls. He asserted that by embracing Iqbal’s teachings, Pakistan’s relations with Central Asia could flourish, strengthening both cultural and strategic ties.

Dr. Arshad Mahmood Nashad also delivered an in-depth discourse on the philosophy of Iqbal and his concept of the “Iron Man.” Dr. Sher Ali’s address reminded the attendees of the timeless wisdom woven into Iqbal’s poetry, which holds solutions to humanity’s greatest challenges. Dr. Abid Siyal spoke of Iqbal’s message of unity and brotherhood, a message he shared alongside Quaid-e-Azam, to stir the nation from complacency toward progress. Dr. Rabia Kayani recited some persian poetry of Allama Iqbal with explanation in Urdu, Dr. Zeenat Afshan reflected on how the vision of Iqbal and Jinnah offered a roadmap for Pakistan’s success, if only the youth would heed it with dedication and resolve.

Concluding the seminar, Director General Professor Dr. Muhammad Saleem Mazhar expressed heartfelt thanks to all participants for their insightful contributions. He honored Quaid-e-Azam and Allama Iqbal as the architects of Pakistan’s identity, two exemplary leaders who stayed true to law and integrity in their quest to shape an independent nation. Dr. Mazhar encouraged today’s youth to embody Iqbal’s legacy by serving Pakistan and humanity with the same relentless dedication. In a final note, he praised the organizers of the “Paigham-e-Pakistan” program for inspiring a renewed sense of patriotism and selfless devotion to the homeland in Pakistan’s youth.

Mr. Malik Muhammad Shafiq, Mr. Muhammad Ali Pasha an expert on Central, South East Asia and China and Ms. Fatima Tuz Zehra, Editor-in-Chief of “The Gulf Observer” also attended the seminar.

The seminar closed with a hopeful reminder: in Iqbal’s philosophy lies a compass guiding every Pakistani toward a future of honor, integrity, and unity — a beacon lighting the path to a stronger, self-reliant Pakistan.