ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) observed the birth anniversary of national poet, Allama Mohammad Iqbal with a discussion on `Allama Iqbal`s poetry in current perspective`, on Tuesday.

The event was attended by renowned literary figures and intellectuals, who agreed that Iqbal`s poetry and philosophy stressed on self-development, moral integrity and individual freedom.

His book, `The Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam` was also discussed at the event.

Educationist and writer, Prof Fateh Mohammad Malik said people should incorporate the national poet`s philosophy in their lives.

His poetry stresses on unity and urges people to break away from the slavery of capitalists. Through his poetry, Iqbal urged people to be creative and not follow the system blindly, he said.

Prof Malik criticised the current rulers and called them capitalists, adding that they don`t like Iqbal`s philosophy because it is against capitalism and the tradition systems favouring them.

All the governments in Pakistan, be they Islamic, democratic or dictatorships, followed and protected these traditional systems, he said.

PAL Chairman Dr Qasim Bughio said the citizens of Pakistan should work towards making it the country Allama Iqbal dreamt of and stressed on the importance of raising awareness of Iqbal`s philosophy among the common people so they can better safeguard their rights.

We can be a stronger nation if we follow and incorporate the values of Iqbal in our lives, he said.

Writer Dr Ayub Sabir said that Europe underwent a transformation in the 16th century and used the worl(s and research of Muslim scientists and developed in the fields of innovation and research themselves.

Meanwhile, they pitched Muslim states one another, a scenario which has not changed to date.

`Iqbal thought renaissance was vital for the Muslims to achieve the glory of their past. We need to follow the vision of Iqbal and only by doing so can we be recognised as an honourable nation,` he said.

Talking to Dawn, fiction writer Hameed Shahid said Iqbal`s contributions to the Muslim world as one of the greatest thinkers of Islam are unparalleled. In his writing, Iqbal urged the people to stand up to and boldly face life`s challenges, he said.

`Iqbal wanted people to creative as only innovative people can build a modern nation. He was against capitalism but we could not follow his guidelines and as a consequence, are living under a corrupt democracy in this country,` he added.