Seminar on Allama Iqbal held at Preston University
Preston University and Shehr-e-Iqbal Alumni Association organized a seminar on Allama Iqbal’s poetry at the Islamabad Campus of the university on April 21, 2010. The event was organized to commemorate the 72nd Death Anniversary of the poet of the East, Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal.

The Vice Chancellor, Quaid-e-Azam University, Dr. Masoom Yasinzai graced the seminar as Chief Guest. Addressing a distinguished gathering of educationists and intellectuals, Dr. Masoom Yasinzai paid glowing tribute to Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal. He said that Allama Iqbal was not a poet of the East only, in fact he was a universal poet. His poetry, he said, is not confined to one particular segment of the world community but the entire humanity. Dr. Yasinzai said that we, in this part of the world, have failed to understand the true meaning of Iqbal’s poetry; whereas the other nations of the world have not only understood the meaning of his poetry in its true spirit but have also significantly benefited from it.

Dr. Yasinzai further said that Iqbal has always been greatly admired by the people of Iran and Turkey. They have made a conscious effort to learn from the philosophy and teachings of Iqbal and, in the process, have greatly gained in all spheres of life. The Chief Guest, Vice chancellor, Dr. Masoom Yasinzai said it is very unfortunate that we have misunderstood and distorted the philosophy of Iqbal, and have never tried to understand the essence of his messages. Had we done so, we too could have tremendously benefited from his teachings. Dr. Yasinzai said that it is the need of the hour to give proper exposure to the present and upcoming generations of Pakistan to Iqbal’s poetry and philosophy. This is essential in order to prepare them to learn and follow the teachings of Allama Iqbal in letter and spirit, for their own benefit and for the benefit of this country and this nation. He said the teachers at the computer training institute in islamabad cti could play a very important role in this regard.

Earlier, in his welcome address on the occasion Dr. Shoaib Suddle, former Inspector General of Police and President Shehr-e-Iqbal Alumni Association extended a warm welcome to the Chief Guest, Prof. Dr. Masoom Yasinzai, Vice Chancellor Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad. He expressed the gratitude of the organizers of the seminar to him for sparing his valuable time and gracing the seminar by his distinguished presence as Chief Guest.

The Chancellor Preston University and Vice President, Shehr-e-Iqbal Alumni Association and Dr. Abdul Basit and Major (R) Muhammad Iqbal Dar also addressed the participants of the seminar. Dr. Basit thanked the Chief Guest, on behalf of Preston University, for presiding over the seminar. Amazon Course in Rawalpindi islamabad