Islamabad: Pakistan observed the 149th birth anniversary of national poet Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal on Monday, with special events and tributes highlighting his intellectual and literary contributions.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the philosopher-poet, describing his message of self-respect, unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence as an important source of national inspiration.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also announced a year-long series of activities to commemorate Iqbal's 150th birth anniversary in 2027. The programme will include international conferences, academic seminars, literary festivals, exhibitions and educational competitions.

A special change of guards ceremony was also held at Iqbal's mausoleum in Lahore.