Iqbal Day Celebrations at Trinity College, Cambridge : Speech by Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives
Cambridge, UK : Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, delivered a keynote address at the Trinity College, University of Cambridge where Pakistan’s national poet-philosopher studied philosophy as part of his birth anniversary on 9th November. The event was organised by Cambridge University Pakistan Society in collaboration with Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal said that Iqbal’s philosophy of Khudi (selfhood) remains a timeless message of dignity, purpose, and transformation. “Iqbal taught us that nations do not perish from poverty, but from a loss of self-belief,” he remarked.
He noted that Khudi is not arrogance but a morally awakened, disciplined, and purposeful self; a self that recognizes its Creator, its potential, and its responsibility. “Iqbal’s philosophy is a call to moral elevation and intellectual empowerment,” the Minister said.
Reflecting on Iqbal’s time at Cambridge, Prof. Iqbal said that the experience was transformative, shaping Iqbal’s ability to engage Western thought critically while preserving his identity.
He emphasized that this spirit of confident engagement with the modern world is precisely what the Muslim world needs today — the ability to learn from global progress while remaining steadfast in its own cultural and spiritual foundations.
Highlighting Pakistan’s present challenges, the Minister said that economic pressures, governance gaps, and polarization cannot be resolved without reviving the spirit of Khudi; the nation’s confidence in its creative and moral power.
He observed that Pakistan possesses immense potential: one of the world’s largest youth populations, exceptional creativity, strategic geography, cultural resilience, and the ability to rise stronger from every crisis.
Prof. Iqbal shared that Pakistan’s national development framework, “URAAN Pakistan”, is inspired by Iqbal’s vision of moral and economic empowerment.
“URAAN focuses on youth skills, digital transformation, institutional reforms, inclusion, public–private partnerships, and a rights-based, people-first approach,” he explained. “It translates Iqbal’s Khudi into a development paradigm.”
The Minister said that Iqbal’s Shaheen is not merely a poetic symbol but a moral ideal, representing independence of thought, courage in adversity, and clarity of vision. “Pakistan’s youth must see themselves not as victims of circumstance but as authors of destiny,” he asserted.
Prof. Iqbal proposed that Trinity College, Cambridge, host the International Iqbal Conference 2027, marking the 150th birth anniversary of Allama Iqbal. The conference, he said, should bring together philosophers, historians, economists, scientists, artists, and young scholars from around the world to revisit Iqbal’s contributions to philosophy, ethics, and global development.
“Pakistan would be honored to support and collaborate with Cambridge to make this a landmark global event,” he stated.
Concluding his address, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal said that true homage to Iqbal lies not merely in remembrance, but in transformation; in building a society rooted in justice, inquiry, creativity, and compassion.
“Let us honor Iqbal by becoming the people he envisioned, a nation of Khudi, a civilization of courage and compassion,” he said.
Prof. Ahsan Iqbal interacted with large number of students and academics on the occasion, including Master of Trinity College, Prof. Dame Sally Davies and Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof. Kamal Munir. He also visited the Wren Library at Trinity College, University of Cambridge to explore a rare collection of Allama Iqbal’s manuscripts and treasured artefacts, celebrating the timeless legacy of Pakistan’s Poet-Philosopher and paying tribute to the scholar who redefined thought for generations.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
