Allama Iqbal is well respected, if not always well understood, in Pakistan. The art of using the odd quote from Iqbal to illustrate any and every argument has been mastered to a high degree. Recently I stumbled across Iqbal’s Stray Thoughts (easily downloadable from the Internet). Some of the apercus are highly original and perceptive; others are less so. One such thought (Stray Thought number 84) says: ‘If you wish to become a public leader you ought to know how to flirt with the Dame Public. Entertain her with platitudes and, if necessary, with lies’.
Iqbal’s message of rationality, progress and unity have been ignored, but this is one insight which Pakistani politicians have not failed to take on board in their contemptuous dealing with the people of Pakistan
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