Pakistan and Iran plan film tribute to Iqbal

The idea of ​​an international film on the life and philosophy of Allama Muhammad Iqbal has moved from discussion to serious consideration as Pakistani and Iranian officials explore co-production opportunities to bring the poet’s story to a global audience.

At a dinner hosted by Iran’s Consul General in Lahore, Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari announced that Pakistan and Iran could soon collaborate on a world-class film on Iqbal.

The minister revealed that the Punjab government had approved the establishment of a state-of-the-art Film City, with the groundwork to start soon. He said that the proposal for Iranian collaboration would be formally presented to the Film City Committee, adding that the design of the project had already been finalized by the Punjab Infrastructure Development Authority.

Bokhari noted that Pakistani producers were keen to create a cinematic portrayal of Iqbal that would not only highlight his intellectual legacy but also strengthen cultural ties between the two countries. He added that Iran’s experience in film production could significantly improve the quality and visibility of the project.

The minister also encouraged Iranian investors to consider other ventures in Punjab, including setting up exhibition centers for Iranian carpets, which she said were in high demand in Pakistan.

The dinner was attended by an Iranian delegation led by Dr. Ahmad Noroozi, Director of Overseas Affairs at the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), along with several senior officials from Punjab’s intelligence and culture departments.

During the meeting, Dr Noroozi offered full cooperation for the development of Punjab’s Film City, saying Iran’s facilities were among the most advanced in the region. He invited Pakistani filmmakers and officials to visit Iran’s film city to explore possible areas of cooperation.

He also confirmed IRIB’s willingness to support Quran recitation competitions and other cultural projects designed to strengthen closer ties.

The debate over Iqbal’s portrayal on screen has gained traction in recent months. Earlier this week, Federal Information Minister Ataullah Tarar met with Iranian media officials to discuss a proposed drama series on Iqbal’s life, which is planned to be produced jointly in Persian and Urdu.

According to the Associated Press of Pakistan, both sides expressed enthusiasm for a project that would reflect the poet’s spiritual influence across the Muslim world.

Five memorandums of understanding were signed during this meeting, covering cooperation in education, technical support and exchange of media content between the two nations. Officials noted that the proposed drama series could complement a feature film, expanding the reach of Iqbal’s message through television and digital platforms.

It’s not the first time the idea has been floated. In August, the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives announced that the Pakistani government intended to mark the 150th anniversary of Iqbal’s birth in 2027 with large-scale projects, including a feature film and a drama series in collaboration with Iran.

The move follows a growing trend of international co-productions in Pakistan’s media industry. Recent examples include HUM TV and Turkish state broadcaster TRT’s collaboration on Salahuddin Ayubi, a historical series depicting the life of the great Muslim ruler, and the upcoming drama Fatima Jinnah, starring Sajal Aly and Usman Mukhtar as Iqbal.

Cultural observers say such projects represent a new phase for Pakistan’s entertainment industry, where storytelling is used to bridge borders and highlight shared heritage. A film on Iqbal, they believe, would not only celebrate the poet’s vision of self and unity, but also serve as a cinematic dialogue between two nations linked by history, faith and language.

If realized, the Pakistan-Iran Iqbal project could become a landmark collaboration – one that turns poetry into cinema and philosophy into movement, like the poet’s dream of awakening a generation through the power of thought. (With login from APP)