ISLAMABAD: “The pristine message of Islam has been systematically distorted over the decades and we need to seek inspiration from Iqbal to correct the distortions and restore the peaceful, progressive and egalitarian image of Islam”.

This has been stated by President PPP former President Asif Ali Zardari in a message on the 78th death anniversary of Allama Iqbal falling on Thursday April 21 adding also “This indeed is the best way to pay tributes to our poet philosopher”. On his death anniversary let us reiterate our resolve not to allow anyone to exploit religion and misinterpret it for foisting their political agendas, he said.

Allama Iqbal believed that religion was a living and dynamic force that needed to be continuously interpreted, the former President said and called upon the people to assert themselves in reinterpreting religious thought. Let us on this day in memory of Iqbal dedicate ourselves to free inquiry, discussion and debate, as preached by him, so as to understand the true message of religion, the former President said in his message.—PR