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Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s Lost Album to Release After 34 Years

Nusrat

Peter Gabriel’s Real World Records will release a new album of unheard recordings by legendary qawwal Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan on September 20, over 27 years after his death.

Discovered in the label’s tape archives, the ‘lost’ album, Chain of Light, features four traditional qawwali tracks and captures Nusrat at the height of his vocal prowess.

Recorded at Real World Studios in April 1990 with his eight-member party of singers and musicians, it includes one previously unheard track. This session took place during the same period he worked on Mustt Mustt, his seminal crossover album with Canadian producer Michael Brook.

The Legacy of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

Over the course of his musical career, NFAK became a cultural icon whose list of esteemed fans extended well into the realm of western rock and pop.

The late Jeff Buckley famously said of the singer “He’s my Elvis”. Nusrat also counted amongst his fans The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Pearl Jam front man Eddie Vedder. Having a six-octave vocal range, his voice also appeared on the soundtrack of movies by Hollywood directors Martin Scorsese, Oliver Stone and Tim Robbins.

Nusrat’s relationship with Peter Gabriel and Real World Records began after his watershed performance at the 1985 WOMAD festival, which was the first time he performed to a predominantly western audience.

Shortly after that, he was signed to the label and his international profile rose through a collaboration on Gabriel’s 1989 album Passion, music from which featured in the film adaptation of The Last Temptation of Christ.

“I’ve had the privilege to work with a tonne of different musicians from all over the world in my time, but perhaps the greatest singer of them all was Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan,” said Gabriel.

“What he could do and make you feel with his voice was quite extraordinary and we were very proud to have played a role in getting him to a much wider global audience. It was a real delight when we found out this tape had been in our library. This album really shows him at his peak. It’s a wonderful record.”

Buried deep in a warehouse storage space at Real World Studios and unearthed whilst the label was relocating its archive in 2021, the April 1990 tape recording that comprises Chain of Light finds Nusrat at a crossroads, on the cusp of global greatness.

Carefully restored from the original analogue tapes, this lost album of traditional qawwali includes a pristine recording of the much-loved classic Ya Allah Ya Rehman, as well the only known performance of Ya Gaus Ya Meeran.

“[The year] 1990 was a key point in Nusrat’s career, it was the beginning of him crossing over into a western audience,” Nusrat’s longtime international manager, Rashid Ahmed-Din, said.

“Everything just clicked. He always wanted to experiment and not be limited to one sound and these tracks express that movement beyond.”

Producer Michael Brook praised the recordings, stating, “There is an amazing clarity to these performances. They are more harmonically adventurous than the other songs Nusrat was recording at the time, and the whole group is firing on all cylinders.”

Fans will be thrilled to learn that a definitive documentary film on Nusrat’s life is in the making. Islamabad-based Saiyna Bashir Studios plans to release their biopic, Ustad, at the end of 2025.

Earlier this year, Saiyna Bashir Studios received a grant from the British Council to support Real World Records in promoting the new album.

Chain of Light will be released by Real World Records on September 20 and will be available for pre-order in various formats, with support from the British Council.

Also Read: Hadiqa Kiani’s ‘Jani Door Gaye’ Honors Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

Celebrities

Farhan Saeed Celebrates Sybil Suhail’s Win

Farhan Saeed

Farhan Saeed, former frontman of the renowned Pakistani band Jal and now a singer-songwriter and actor, took to Instagram to publicly express his pride after Sybil Sohail became the first Pakistani woman to win the gold medal at the Asian Weightlifting Masters Championship in Doha, Qatar.

In a simple Instagram Story, Saeed tagged Sohail herself and wrote, “Proud moment. Congratulations.” Adding a Pakistani flag emoji at the end of his short but sweet message to lock in his national pride, Saeed’s simple message captured the essence of the country’s joy and pride in Sohail’s achievement

This gold medal marked not only her debut in international weightlifting but also a significant milestone for Pakistani women in strength sports.

Previously a decorated powerlifter, Sohail holds titles such as Commonwealth Powerlifting Champion and Asian Commonwealth Powerlifting Champion. Transitioning to weightlifting, she set out with a clear ambition: to raise Pakistan’s flag at major Asian events.

“I aim to make my country proud, make my family proud. We have sacrificed a lot for the sport, but I need to make sure that all of that effort and dedication pays off,” Sohail told The Express Tribune in Doha.

Also Read:Hania Aamir & Farhan Saeed Face Criticism Over Comments On Pahalgam Incident

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Ayeza Khan Criticized for Remarks after Sana Yousaf’s Murder

Actress Ayeza Khan is facing widespread criticism for her statement following the horrifying murder of 17-year-old TikTok star Sana Yousaf, with many accusing her of victim-blaming and showing a lack of empathy.

In a now-viral Instagram Story, Ayeza wrote, “Let’s all understand the pros and cons of social media, especially when it comes to our security. Keep your addresses, car numbers, regular spots, and children’s details private. It’s not safe, it’s just not safe.

Share less. Times have changed. Recognize that the audience you have today isn’t the one you personally chose. It’s from all over the world.
Let’s take responsibility for what we share. May Allah protect us all and keep us in good company. Ameen.”

Social media users quickly criticised the timing and tone of her message. Critics argue that by emphasising digital privacy instead of addressing the gender-based violence that led to Sana’s death, Ayeza inadvertently shifted the blame toward the victim.

One user commented, “Ayeza Khan once again effortlessly portraying her lack of brain cells. Stop blaming women for getting murdered and START BLAMING MEN FOR MURDERING them.”

Another wrote, “In other words, Ayeza Khan blamed the victim….?
Great. Now we know where it’s coming from… Your husband is playing toxic roles on national TV, setting terrible examples, and you’re here blaming the victim.”

Many pointed out the irony in her message, citing her husband Danish Taimoor’s frequent portrayal of violent and misogynistic characters in television dramas; roles that, some argue, normalise abusive behaviour and contribute to the unsafe climate women navigate daily.

A user stated, “When a girl says no and faces violence, we shouldn’t question her choices—rather, we should condemn the abuser. Ayeza Khan needs to understand this. Victim blaming solves nothing.”

Another added: “Classic ‘pick me’ behavior from Ayeza Khan. Couldn’t even post a prayer for the deceased had to lecture about social media. Also, your husband makes trash psychotic dramas that glorify this stuff. How about calling that out?”

Also Read: Was Hania Aamir Missing from Nayel Wajahat’s Big Day?

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Celebrities Demand Exemplary Punishment in Sana Yousaf’s Brutal Murder

The tragic murder of 17-year-old TikToker and MBBS student Sana Yousaf has shaken Pakistan to its core — and now, the country’s biggest celebrities are speaking out with one voice: justice must be swift, and the punishment must set an example.

On a quiet day that turned into a national nightmare, Sana was gunned down in front of her mother and aunt — allegedly by her own cousin — for nothing more than saying “No.” A simple, rightful refusal to unwanted advances cost her her life.

This chilling case, steeped in violence, entitlement, and gendered rage, has prompted an outpouring of grief and fury from across the nation. Among those leading the call for accountability are Pakistan’s most prominent actors, who have used their platforms not just to mourn, but to demand justice that speaks louder than hashtags.

Mahira Khan, who has long used her voice to amplify social justice issues, didn’t mince words. “An example needs to be made,” she said, urging the legal system to ensure that Sana’s killer receives the kind of punishment that sends a powerful message: Women are not disposable. No means no. And murder will not go unpunished.

Actress Sajal Aly echoed the nation’s heartbreak, lamenting that a young girl full of life and dreams was shot dead simply for exercising her right to reject a man. “How many more?” her post seemed to ask — a question that has haunted too many families, too many daughters.

Maya Ali expressed open frustration and fury, demanding the harshest consequences for the perpetrator. “He should be hanged,” she wrote, voicing what many felt: that justice, in this case, must be clear, public, and absolute.

Imran Abbas, deeply disturbed, called on authorities to treat this case not as an isolated tragedy, but as part of a horrifying pattern of violence against women. His words carried the weight of sorrow and the urgency of action: this must stop now.

Veteran actress Nadia Jamil, known for her activism, also shared her devastation at Sana’s murder. She reminded her followers that behind every trending hashtag is a real girl, a real life cut short — and a grieving family left with nothing but silence where laughter once lived.

The suspect, now in custody, has reportedly confessed. The weapon was recovered. The evidence is there. What remains to be seen is whether Pakistan’s justice system will rise to the occasion — not just for Sana, but for every woman who’s been silenced, threatened, or killed for daring to say no.

This is not just about one girl. It is about all of them. It is about reclaiming the basic human right to live, to reject, to be safe in one’s home — even from those who share your blood.

Sana Yousaf should have been studying, smiling into her phone, and planning a future. Instead, her name has become a rallying cry.

Read more: Pakistani Celebrities Condemn Online Misconduct Toward AVM Aurangzeb

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