Web desk: Iqbal Day is a day that is celebrated during the birth anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, the Pakistani national poet and philosopher.
The federal government has not declared a separate day off. The Cabinet Division’s 2025 list of public holidays includes Iqbal Day, but because it overlaps with the weekend, no additional holiday will be given, as per the reports.
His message of self-realisation, unity and spiritual awakening is known. He was born on November 9, 1877, in Sialkot.
His poetry in Urdu and Persian inspired the idea of a separate homeland for Muslims in the subcontinent.
Allama Iqbal introduced the Two-Nation Theory in 1930 in his famous address at Allahabad. This theory came later to establish the formation of Pakistan in 1947.
He is also greatly respected, and he is called Poet of the East (Shair-e-Mashriq), Thinker of Pakistan (Muffakir-e-Pakistan), and Sage of the Ummah (Hakeem-ul-Ummat).
Ceremonies, poetry recitals, and educational events are held all over Pakistan during Iqbal Day on an annual date. A traditional change of guard ceremony takes place at his mausoleum in Lahore.
This year, most people are expected to spend the day as a normal Sunday, while also remembering Iqbal’s vision of unity, faith, and knowledge for a strong and just nation.
Will there be a Public Holiday on November 9?
Pakistan and people around the world will observe Iqbal Day on November 9 this year. There will be no extra public holiday since the day falls on a Sunday.
Each year, Iqbal Day is marked across Pakistan with ceremonies, poetry recitals, seminars, and educational programs to highlight his philosophy and contributions.
Every year, a conventional change of guard is celebrated at his mausoleum in Lahore. The people attend these events to reinterpret his message of unity, faith and serving the nation.
Although this year the day falls on a Sunday, most people are expected to spend it as a regular weekend, while also paying tribute to Allama Iqbal’s life and ideas.
