The federal government has designated November 9, a Saturday, as a public holiday to commemorate Iqbal Day, celebrating the birth anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, Pakistan’s renowned poet and philosopher.
The official notification states, “According to Cabinet Division’s circular No. 10-02/2023-Min-II dated December 20, 2023, November 9, 2024, will be a public holiday across the country in recognition of Allama Iqbal Day.”
A statement from the SBP’s Banking Policy and Regulations Department announced, “The State Bank of Pakistan, along with all banks, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), and Micro Finance Banks (MFBs), will observe the public holiday on Saturday, November 9, 2024, for Allama Iqbal Day.”
Iqbal Day commemorates the 147th birth anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, also revered as the “Poet of the East” and the “Conceiver of Pakistan.”
The 2024 official holiday list already included Iqbal Day, confirming plans for nationwide celebrations. Typically, educational institutions organize events where students recite Iqbal’s poetry and discuss his impact on Pakistan’s cultural legacy.
Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had included November 9 as a holiday in the annual list for its missions worldwide, affirming its global recognition.
