(Abdul Basit Alvi)
Iqbal Day 2026 is an opportunity for Pakistan to honour Allama Muhammad Iqbal and his vision of a strong, independent, and confident Muslim nation. The victory in Marka-e-Haq against India in 2025 marked a major turning point in Pakistan’s military confidence and regional standing. The Pakistan Army, supported by the Air Force, Navy, missile systems, and cyber units, demonstrated coordination, courage, and professional skill across multiple fronts. This success challenged perceptions of Pakistan’s defence capabilities and strengthened national unity. Public celebrations reflected the pride and gratitude of the people towards the armed forces. Beyond defending the country, the army has helped restore stability in troubled areas, supported civilian institutions during natural disasters, and contributed to conditions needed for economic progress. Pakistan’s growing diplomatic influence is also evident in its role in facilitating peace talks between the United States and Iran, with support from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt. By demonstrating military strength and choosing dialogue after victory, Pakistan has gained greater international attention and emerged as a potential mediator committed to regional peace. Although the negotiations remain delicate, this role reflects the country’s growing diplomatic importance and the value of restraint, responsibility, and strategic understanding.
Pakistan’s defence partnerships further demonstrate its ambition to contribute to regional security and technological self-reliance. The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, signed with Saudi Arabia and Turkey in August 2026, establishes a collective security framework based on mutual defence, joint planning, intelligence sharing, and rapid response. Its principle that an attack on one member concerns all reflects a shared commitment to collective protection. The Badr MoU, signed in Doha with Turkey, Qatar, and Indonesia, focuses on joint defence production, research, manufacturing, and technology transfer. It aims to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and establish a shared industrial base among Muslim nations. Although these long-term initiatives will take years to deliver their full benefits, they reflect Pakistan’s determination to become a producer of security rather than merely a recipient. Together with its professional armed forces, diplomatic engagement, and scientific cooperation, these partnerships have strengthened Pakistan’s international standing. They also reflect Iqbal’s philosophy of Khudi, which promotes self-belief, dignity, independence, and inner strength. On Iqbal Day, the nation celebrates its achievements, remembers the sacrifices behind them, and renews its commitment to Iqbal’s ideals. The ultimate goal is a sovereign and responsible Pakistan that can defend its people, protect the vulnerable, promote peace without aggression, and advance with unity, confidence, and self-reliance for generations to come.
All of this would have pleased Allama Iqbal immensely. He wrote about the awakening of the Muslim ummah. He wrote about the need for Muslims to unite. He wrote about the importance of knowledge and technology. He wrote about the strength of faith. He wrote about the dignity of labour. He wrote about the courage of the soldier. His poetry is full of images of Shaheens and eagles. He used these images to represent the high aspirations of the Muslim youth. He wanted the youth to dream big. He wanted them to work hard. He wanted them to serve the nation. Today’s Pakistan Army is the living embodiment of those aspirations. The soldiers who fought in Marka-e-Haq were not just defending territory. They were defending an idea. They were defending the idea that Muslims can be strong and sovereign. They were defending the idea that a nation founded on faith can also be a modern and progressive state. They were defending the idea that Pakistan can take its rightful place among the nations of the world. That is why the victory was so important. It was a victory of the spirit as much as a victory on the battlefield.
On this Iqbal Day 2026, the nation should remember the sacrifices that made this strength possible. The soldiers who laid down their lives in Marka-e-Haq and in other conflicts did not do so for personal glory. They did so for the country. They did so for the future. They did so for the dream that Iqbal saw. Their families deserve our gratitude. Their children deserve our support. The nation should also remember the civilians who supported the armed forces. The doctors who treated the wounded. The engineers who repaired the equipment. The workers who kept the factories running. The farmers who grew the food. The teachers who educated the young. The strength of a nation is not just in its army. It is in its people. Pakistan is strong because its people are strong. Pakistan is influential because its people are united. That unity is the greatest asset of the country. It must be preserved and nurtured.
The year 2026 is therefore a year of pride for Pakistan. The country has emerged from a difficult period stronger than before. The army has proved its mettle. The diplomats have earned respect. The defence agreements have opened new doors. The mediation role has raised the country’s profile. The nation is on the right path. There are still challenges ahead. The economy needs to grow faster. The education system needs to improve. The health system needs more resources. The political system needs more stability. But these challenges can be met. They can be met because the foundation is now solid. The foundation is the strength of the armed forces. The foundation is the unity of the people. The foundation is the vision of Iqbal. That vision is still guiding the nation. It is still inspiring the young. It is still shaping the future.
Allama Iqbal’s soul would indeed be happy on this day. He would see a Pakistan that is not afraid of its enemies. He would see a Pakistan that is not dependent on others for its security. He would see a Pakistan that is helping other nations to find peace. He would see a Pakistan that is building defence partnerships with its Muslim brothers. He would see a Pakistan Army that is professional, disciplined, and faithful. He would see a nation that has embraced Khudi and is walking on the path of progress. That is the true celebration of Iqbal Day 2026. It is a celebration of a dream fulfilled. It is a celebration of a strong and influential Pakistan. It is a celebration of a proud and resolute Pak Army. The nation can look to the future with confidence. The poet’s dream has become a reality. The journey continues. But the direction is clear. The destination is bright. And the nation is moving forward together.
