A video circulating on social media shows young children slapping the statue of Allama Muhammad Iqbal while their parents stand nearby, drawing shock and criticism from viewers across Pakistan. In the clip, one child is heard saying, “Yeh hamare liye parhai chor kar gaye hain”, on asking why he is slapping the statue. It is a phrase that has been widely shared with concern about children’s disrespect toward a national icon.
Allama Iqbal is revered as the national poet and philosopher of Pakistan, whose poetry and ideas played a key role in inspiring Muslim identity and the demand for a separate homeland before independence. His contributions are celebrated in schools, public spaces, and national holidays, and his image appears in parks, monuments, and educational institutions.
In recent years, similar incidents involving statues and monuments have drawn strong public reactions. Most notably, a statue of Iqbal in Gulshan‑e‑Iqbal Park, Lahore, once sparked social media uproar for its appearance, leading authorities to remove it after widespread criticism. Officials later suspended staff for negligence in installation, underlining how seriously such tributes are taken.
Experts say episodes like this highlight the need for civic education and cultural awareness, especially among young people, to foster respect for national heritage. Teachers and commentators have urged parents and educators to use these moments as lessons in history and values.
Pakistanis widely condemned the video, with many calling for greater emphasis on teaching children about the legacy of figures like Iqbal, whose ideas helped shape the intellectual foundations of the nation. The incident has become a spark for renewed discussion on how society honors its heroes and educates the next generation.
