The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and commercial banks will be closed on Thursday, November 9, in observance of Iqbal Day. A notification from the central bank stated that the closure is due to the government’s declaration of Iqbal Day as a public holiday. Last week, the federal government issued an announcement declaring November 9 as a public holiday throughout Pakistan. This date is celebrated as “Iqbal Day” nationwide to commemorate the 146th birth anniversary of Dr. Allama Mohammad Iqbal.

Read more:Government announced Public Holiday on 9 Nov

Dr. Iqbal played a pivotal role in inspiring millions of Muslims in the sub-continent to aspire to have an independent homeland where they could freely practice Islam. The day will begin with special prayers in mosques for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan. Dr. Iqbal, an acclaimed poet and philosopher, was born in Sialkot on November 9, 1877, and is renowned for his poetry and his efforts to advocate for the creation of a separate homeland for Muslims.