The government announced yesterday that 9 November would be a public holiday in a bid to observe the birth anniversary of national poet and philosopher, Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal. Or is it?
The internet, or at least one individual, seems to think Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif just wants everyone to enjoy the ICC T20 World Cup semi-final between Pakistan and New Zealand.
A tweep impersonating Pakistan’s bowling coach, Shaun Tait, tweeted,
I demand from the PM of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif to announce holiday on Wednesday all over Pakistan.
The ‘fake Shaun Tait’ reasoned,
So that everyone can enjoy and cheer for their team in Semi Final.
https://twitter.com/shauntait161/status/1589619487158198273
Many netizens hilariously believed that this is the former Australian cricketer’s real account and some even scolded him for making such a ludicrous request.
https://twitter.com/fidahus07589914/status/1589623273834577920
Well @shauntait161 your demand has been approved. pic.twitter.com/0s1XfqWDVe
— AJ (@afnanjawaid) November 8, 2022
Pakistan vs. New Zealand
Babar Azam and the men in green are set to take on tournament favorites, New Zealand, in the first semi-final clash of the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup in Sydney, Australia.
Pakistan made a miraculous comeback in the tournament after South Africa’s shocking defeat at the hands of the Netherlands, and the men in green’s comprehensive victory over Bangladesh in a virtual quarter-final on 6 November.
Pakistani fans are praying for their side continues its winning streak in today’s critical game and advances to the final.
Iqbal Day Restored
The PM’s Cabinet Division issued a notification about the holiday that read:
In continuation of the Cabinet Division’s circular No. 10-01/2021-Min-II dated 17th December 2021, it is for general information that the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is pleased to restore the public holiday on occasion of Allama Iqbal, i.e. 9th November. Therefore, Wednesday 9th November 2022 shall be observed as public holiday throughout the country.
Muffakir-e-Pakistan
Allama Muhammad Iqbal was a great philosopher, and thinker of his time, and is highly regarded for it to this day.
Known as Muffakir-e-Pakistan and Hakeem-ul-Ummat, he continues to live in the hearts of Pakistanis through his inspirational poems.
Although we celebrate 9 November to honor Allama Iqbal for his contributions and vision of an independent nation that would be free from British and Hindu tyranny, Pakistanis hope that Iqbal’s shaheens or just one Shaheen Shah Afridi makes the nation proud today.
How are you celebrating Iqbal Day? Let us know your thoughts down below.
