Punjab University, one of the leading educational institutions in Pakistan, has officially declared a holiday on 9 November to commemorate Iqbal Day. This announcement was made public on 2 November 2023, as per the official notification from the university.
Iqbal Day is a significant occasion in Pakistan, celebrated in honor of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, a philosopher, poet, and politician who is widely regarded as having inspired the Pakistan Movement. The day is marked with various activities including poetry recitals, debates, and seminars about Iqbal’s teachings and philosophy.
However, the declaration of a holiday on Iqbal Day has been a subject of confusion among the public. This uncertainty primarily stems from the fact that the holiday was suspended from 2015 to 2021. It was only in November 2022 that then Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reinstated Iqbal Day as a public holiday. This decision was later endorsed by the Interior Ministry in December, declaring Iqbal Day 2023 as a public holiday.
Punjab University Announces Holiday
Despite the official announcements, the past experiences have led to some skepticism and confusion among the masses regarding the observance of the holiday on 9 November. However, with Punjab University’s recent announcement, it is clear that the institution will remain closed on this day, allowing students and staff to pay their respects to the national hero.
In other news, Punjab University has recently been recognized as the best university in Pakistan in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2024 by Subject. Out of 11 subjects, Pakistani universities were ranked in 9, with Punjab University being ranked in 7, making it the most-ranked Pakistani university. This achievement further solidifies Punjab University’s position as a leading institution in the country’s educational landscape.
