The day dawned with special prayers for national solidarity, peace and unity. Quran Khwani was held in different mosques. All government offices, educational institutions and some markets remained closed. Different NGOs organised functions to recall the achievements of Allama Iqbal, who conceived the idea of a separate homeland for the Muslims of the Indian subcontinent. Speakers at various seminars paid rich tributes to the poet and philosopher for his meritorious service to the Muslims of the subcontinent.
National flags were hoisted on principal government buildings throughout the country as a mark of respect for the great Muslim scholar.
In Lahore, Punjab Governor Khalid Maqbool laid a floral wreath on Mazar-e-Iqbal in the morning. The annual ceremony of 'change of guard' at the Mazar also took place where the guard duties were taken over by a smart contingent of Pakistan Navy.
Electronic media telecast special programmes while newspapers brought out special supplements on the life and achievements of the poet-philosopher.
Various cultural and social organisations celebrated Iqbal Day by holding meetings, symposia, seminars and mushairas to highlight the role of Allama Iqbal in the creation of Pakistan.
In a function held under the auspices of Majlis-e-Iqbal, Justice Dr Javed Iqbal said that Pakistan had gone far away from political model as envisaged by Allama Iqbal.
Sartaj Aziz, a former foreign minister, said that by working on the philosophy of Iqbal, Pakistan could be turned into an Islamic welfare state.