WASHINGTON UNS : The Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, D.C., organised a special event to mark Iqbal Day in collaboration with the International Academy of Letters USA and Bazm-e-Harf-o-Sukhan, bringing together literary figures, poets, intellectuals and members of the Pakistani community.
The event featured a panel discussion titled “Iqbal and the Contemporary World,” with prominent speakers Faiz Rehman, Wakeel Ansari and Anwar Iqbal. Ghazanfar Hashmi moderated the discussion.
A poetry recital was also held as part of the celebrations, hosted by Dr Arif Mahmood. The participating poets included Wakeel Ansari, who presided over the gathering, Ghazanfar Hashmi, Beena Goindi, Ejaz Hussain Bhatti, Owais Raja, Dr Abid Raza, Hamid Mahmood, Tabassum Jabeen, Noor Naghmi and Naghma Subohi.
Addressing the gathering, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, emphasised the importance of drawing inspiration from Allama Iqbal’s philosophy and making meaningful contributions to Pakistan’s progress and development.
Other speakers included Ghazanfar Hashmi, renowned broadcaster Khalid Hameed, Dr Arif Mahmood and Riaz Niazi, the driving force behind the Sadequain Gallery in Chicago.
A major highlight of the event was an exhibition of Sadequain’s artwork featuring verses of Allama Iqbal, presented by Riaz Niazi. The exhibition offered attendees an opportunity to appreciate the connection between Iqbal’s poetry and Sadequain’s artistic expression.
The programme concluded with a melodious presentation of Allama Iqbal’s poetry.
The overall proceedings of the event were conducted by Afra Tariq, First Secretary at the Embassy of Pakistan.
