Double Holiday on the Horizon? Pakistanis Eager for Government Announcement on Iqbal Day

Islamabad: As the 9th of November approaches, many Pakistanis are eagerly waiting to see if the government will declare a public holiday to mark Iqbal Day, a day commemorating the birth of the nation’s ideological father, Allama Muhammad Iqbal.
Last year, the government had declared a public holiday on Iqbal Day, and citizens are hopeful for the same this year. However, this time, November 9 falls on a Saturday, leading to increased speculation: will Pakistanis get two days off in one week?
While the public eagerly awaits an official notification, there has been no formal announcement as of yet. Nevertheless, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had earlier released a list of holidays for 2024, which includes Iqbal Day on November 9 as a public holiday.
Born in Sialkot on November 9, 1877, Allama Iqbal played a pivotal role in the intellectual and ideological foundations of Pakistan. As a philosopher, poet, and politician, he inspired the nation through his revolutionary poetry. His works, translated into various languages including Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, and English, have earned him recognition as a significant global philosopher. Iqbal passed away on April 21, 1938, before witnessing the creation of the country he envisioned.
As the date nears, people across Pakistan are hopeful for the announcement that would offer them a long weekend in honor of their national hero.