KARACHI(National Times): The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Thursday announced that banks would remain closed on November 9 on account of the Iqbal Day, the birth anniversary of the Poet of the East, Muhammad Iqbal. November 9 is observed as ‘Iqbal Day’ across Pakistan to mark the birth anniversary of Dr Allama Mohammad Iqbal. This year would be his 147th birth anniversary. Dr Iqbal played an instrumental role in inspiring millions of Muslims across the sub-continent to seek an independent homeland where they could practice Islam freely. The day would dawn with special prayers in mosques for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan. Popularly known in Pakistan and other parts of the world as ‘the Poet of the East’, Dr Iqbal was born in Sialkot on November 9, 1877. Iqbal was an acclaimed poet and philosopher. He is credited with writing poetry and using his political influence to demand the creation of a separate homeland for Muslims. His Allahabad address of 1930 was a watershed moment in pre-partition politics. Allama Iqbal’s address gave a clear direction and separate identity to Muslims of the sub-continent to achieve Pakistan. A Change of Guards ceremony will also be held at his mausoleum in Lahore on Saturday.