JEDDAH — Pakistan Tehreek Insaf (PTI) Western Region Saudi Arabia chapter celebrated the 139th birthday of Dr. Allama Mohammed Iqbal at Lasani restaurant on Thursday. Abu Baker Memon, noted businessman and an active member of Pakistani community, presided over the gathering. Nazir Chughtai senior community member was the chief guest. In his presidential address Abu Baker Memon shed light on Allama Iqbal's life and said, "Iqbal is our national hero and asset. Celebration of national heroes and reminding our new generation about their contributions is our national duty." He added, "In Germany and many other countries there are people doing research on Allama Iqbal's philosophy and poetry but in our own country we are not giving due acknowledgement to his achievement." Nazir Chughtai said, "Iqbal was great thinker. He gave an identity to Muslims and guided them to reach their destination of Pakistan. Following his teachings can improve the situation in Pakistan." Sultan Abdul Basit, former president PTI Western Region, said that Iqbal had awakened Indian Muslims through his poetry and united them on one platform. Qasim Dusti, leader of PTI, said that our government needs to include Iqbal's message fully in the curriculum so our new generation can benefit. He added, "The present education system which was created during the British tenure of Lord Michael cannot give the true Pakistani message to our new generation." Journalists and members of all walks of life from Pakistani community and senior members of PTI including Malik Asad Rana Tahir, Khurram Nawaz, Ilyas Qazi, Mohammad Shoib, Tanvir Sadiq, Rashid Sheikh, Kashif Aslam, Ahmad Bashir, Zahid Khan, Fayaz Ahmad, Omer Janjua, Shahid Khan and Khalid Zaheer attended the function.
