Mr. Aurangzeb Kha Khichi, the Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, emphasized the universal importance of Allama Iqbal Lahori's thoughts in countering intellectual stagnation and intolerance during his video address at the international conference "Book Diplomacy with Iqbal's Spirit," naming Iqbal's philosophy the key to "Intellectual Awakening" and "Book Diplomacy" in the current era.
According to the ECO Cultural Institute (ECI) information portal, the Pakistani Culture Minister began his speech with sincere congratulations on the birthday of the "Poet of the East," Allama Muhammad Iqbal, and stated that the gathering was a tribute to the "Great Man of Eastern Thought, Poet of Islam, and Philosopher of the Self (Khudi)."
He stressed that Iqbal's message was not confined to a single nation or language, saying: "Through his poetry and philosophy, Iqbal sought to convey a message to humanity about self-knowledge, utilizing one's inherent potential, and changing the world with faith, knowledge, and action. His message is a universal call that connects every human being to the true identity and purpose of life."
The Minister continued by pointing to current global challenges, emphasizing the increasing importance of Iqbal's philosophy. He said that in an era where nations are entangled in extremism, intolerance, and intellectual stagnation, Iqbal's message calls people toward the light of knowledge, compassion, and self-awareness.
He considered true freedom to be beyond mere political liberty, deeming it dependent on intellectual and spiritual awakening, for which Iqbal established books and knowledge as the foundation of civilizational stability. He added: "Today, 'Book Diplomacy' among ECO countries is the realization of the same dream of Iqbal that he predicted a century ago."
In another part of his speech, the Pakistani Culture Minister named youth the true power of society and, by quoting one of Iqbal's most famous couplets, urged them to become the torchbearers of humanity through faith and knowledge.
He concluded by expressing his gratitude to the ECO Cultural Institute and the Government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran for making Iqbal's message central to this event, aiming to enhance intellectual and cultural ties, and expressed hope that Iqbal's dream for a world enlightened by the light of knowledge, compassion, and justice would be realized.
The international conference "Book Diplomacy with Iqbal's Spirit, was held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 (21 Aban 1404) to commemorate the 33rd Iran Book Week and the commemorating days of Allama Muhammad Iqbal Lahori. It took place at the institute's international convention hall with the attendance of ambassadors and high-ranking officials from Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Ecuador, Uganda, Brazil, Romania, Switzerland, and Malaysia, as well as poets and thinkers from the ECO region, emphasizing the importance of linking knowledge and culture in regional relations development.