A dignified conference titled “Rumi and Iqbal” was held at the Chemical Hall, University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore, under the auspices of Iqbal Academy Pakistan, in collaboration with the Yunus Emre Institute Türkiye (Islamabad), the Muslim Institute Islamabad, and UET Lahore.
The conference was chaired by Sahibzada Sultan Ahmad Ali, while Professor Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Among the notable participants were UET Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Shahid Munir, Dr. Khalil Tuqar, Director General, Yunus Emre Institute Türkiye (Islamabad), Mr. Sami Ullah Malik (UK), Mr. Irene Mayu Sogi (Türkiye), Mr. Usman Abdel Nasser (Egypt), Mr. Humayun Ehsan (Principal, Pakistan Law College), Brigadier (Retd.) Dr. Waheed uz Zaman Tariq (Iqbal Scholar), Dr. Muhammad Kamran (Dean, Oriental College, Lahore), Dr. Babar Naseem Aasi (Head, Department of Persian, GC University Lahore), Dr. Uzma Zareen (Oriental College, Lahore), Dr. Nadeem Ishaq Khan (educationist) and Dr. Hasan Raza Iqbali (Iqbal Scholar).
Welcoming the guests and participants, Dr. Abdul Rauf Rafiqui, Director, Iqbal Academy Pakistan, outlined the aims of the conference and underscored its significance in strengthening intellectual and cultural engagement with the legacies of Rumi and Iqbal.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Professor Ahsan Iqbal said the conference was a thoughtful and timely attempt to examine the intellectual and spiritual affinity between two towering figures, Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi and Allama Muhammad Iqbal; and to assess the continuing relevance of their ideas in the modern world. He observed that if Rumi’s message of love is coupled with Allama Iqbal’s emphasis on action, Pakistan can confront and overcome its contemporary challenges. He remarked, “We must educate not only Pakistan, but the Muslim Ummah as well.”
Dr. Halil Toker, Director General, Yunus Emre Institute Türkiye (Islamabad), presented an overview of initiatives undertaken in Türkiye to promote the study and dissemination of Iqbal’s thought. Renowned Iqbal scholar Sami Ullah Malik, said that the teachings of Rumi and Iqbal are not merely an echo of the past; they speak directly to the unrest of the present and help shape a clearer direction for the future. He noted that both thinkers illuminate the path of love and selfhood.
In his presidential address, Sahibzada Sultan Ahmad Ali, Chairman, Muslim Institute Islamabad, highlighted the contemporary value of Rumi and Iqbal’s intellectual legacy. He noted that Allama Iqbal regarded Rumi as his spiritual guide and that in Javidnama, Iqbal’s celestial journey unfolds under Rumi’s guidance. Stressing the need to connect the younger generation with this enduring tradition, he said, “Rumi and Iqbal’s thought offers the only way forward for the challenges confronting the Muslim world.”
Presenting the conference recommendations, Dr. Abdul Rauf Rafiqui thanked the distinguished guests and participants and reaffirmed that Iqbal Academy Pakistan remains committed to promoting the intellectual heritage of Allama Iqbal and his guide Maulana Rumi, with a special focus on engaging and inspiring the youth.
The conference concluded with the presentation of commemorative shields to the distinguished guests.