Allama Iqbal sculpture: Two PHA officials suspended after backlash
Someone once said, “A nation that forgets its heroes will itself soon be forgotten.” And a nation such as ours that has been achieved after quite some struggle should definitely not forget its heroes. One way of giving tribute to heroes is by placing their statues in public spaces.
Our national poet, Allama Iqbal, is among such heroes, the person who dreamt of Pakistan.
Just saw these pictures saying “They have just unveiled a new statue of Allama Iqbal in Gulshan Park Lahore”Can anyone confirm if this is true…if yes, this is unacceptable 😡 is this a joke, who approved it?
#AllamaIqbal pic.twitter.com/htnYiZbmit— TAAKVIEM (Ash-Shazli) (@TAAKVIEM) February 2, 2021
Allama Iqbal sculpture in the Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park has become the butt of jokes on social media, and even prompted a comparison to previous artworks.
The difference between the old and the new Pakistan can be seen in the statue of Allama Iqbal 😲 pic.twitter.com/gtBP8qxeCu
— Hidayat Keerio (@MeerHaD17768551) February 2, 2021
Some people called the carving an ‘evidence of nepotism’ while others requested Deputy Commissioner to remove the sculpture as it’s a disgrace to see this.
Pakistan rebuilds 500 yr old Eastern Island’s Moai statue, in Gulshan Iqbal Park Lahore. pic.twitter.com/jPfY8yb7Wv
— Shaan (@Shanyousaf6) February 2, 2021
Some appraised the courage of those who approved it, while others said that they are glad Iqbal is not alive to see the moment.
جناب ولید اقبال صاحب کیا آپ جانتے ہیں یہ کس کا مجسمہ ہے؟ کیا یہ کہیں سے بھی شاعر مشرق کا مجسمہ نظر آتا ہے؟ آپکی حکومت کے خیال میں یہ شاعر مشرق ہیں اور کسی سفارشی سےمجسمہ بنواکر عوام الناس کے لئے اسے گلشن اقبال لاہور میں سجا دیا گیا مجھے تو یہ مجسمہ دیکھ کر بہت افسوس ہوا ہے pic.twitter.com/girwXllzZt
— Hamid Mir (@HamidMirPAK) February 2, 2021
Amid all the criticism, few netizens also praised the park management for using limited sources, and creating a low-cost sculpture on its own.
Here’s all the reaction to the newly mounted sculpture of Allama Muhammad Iqbal.
