What to do and see in Punjab Province, Pakistan: The Best Libraries

Reviewed By Jshak - Karachi, Pakistan

Iqbal Manzil Location: Sialkot - Kashmir Mohala (the heart of the city )- Pakistan The birthplace of our National poet and philosopher Dr. Muhammad Allama Iqbal (1877-1938) which stimulated the creation of the Pakistan Movement. Open for tourists with limitations in Covid-19. A must-see tourist attraction, Small streets/very narrow. The best time to visit is around 08:00 am - 10.30 am before the market gets extremely crowded and you will either have to park your car/bike somewhere and walk to this place. In 1861 by Mohammad Rafique the great-grandfather of Allama Iqbal purchased this Manzil. Initially and originally the house was very small, later on, each successor added it's a contribution to grow in size. After the death of Noor Muhammad, Allama Iqbal big brother Ata Mohammad, was named the owner of the Iqbal Manzil. After the death of Ata Mohammed, his sons left the house and took up residences in Karachi and Lahore. Allama Iqbal also had a daughter named Munira Iqbal. Riaz Hussain Naqvi since 1986 has been the curator of this place. The Govt of Pakistan purchased this place in 1971 and handed it over to the archaeology department for restoration and national heritage. It's kept very neat and clean. Every room has its own kind. One of the main rooms were having those old vintage time window openers where you latch it to hold, and the best part was the privacy guards that don't let you see in the side. All rooms were well ventilated. The library at the Iqbal Manzil holds over 4000 books, 2000 on Iqbal himself. Do visit that if you get a chance.