Music

Independence Day songs: The old and the new

The music industry in Pakistan has created an interesting mix of music over the years to commemorate the country’s Independence Day. While classics like “Dil Dil Pakistan” and “Jazba Junoon” will remain ever-green and live on year after year, other numbers also deserve some recognition.

Old numbers such as Awaz’s “Hai Jawan” is still played widely across the nation at events which mark August 14 celebrations, and Vital Signs “Hum Hain Pakistani” is also on the tip of every Pakistanis tongue, be it Independence Day or the cricket World Cup.

These songs are catchy, lively and deeply patriotic. The lyrics have so much thought and feel in them that even the most sceptical, cold-hearted Pakistani cannot resist these catchy tunes and is seen humming along.

However, while these popular tunes will continue to live on, Pakistani artists have more recently turned to creating more sober numbers for Independence Day. The Mekaal Hasan Band’s rendition of the National Anthem is an apt example, in which the sounds of the flute, guitar, bass, dholak and sitar are skillfully brought together to create a beautiful and rather enchanting tune.

Another such rendition is most recently done by Asif Sinan, who has performed the National Anthem in a purely eastern classical style on a guitar. The light strumming of the strings creates a melodious and calming tune, sure to ignite feelings of love and patriotism in every Pakistani.

Nevertheless, although these renditions are great and a real treat for the ears, they can’t ever replace the pure jazba captured by the lyrical and lively pop tunes which live in every Pakistanis heart and come to life like clockwork every year on August 14.

Up Next

Watan by Kaavish

Don't Miss

Junoon’s Brian O’Connell Is Back!

Staff

2 Comments

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Music

Muhammad Ali Shehki Says Romance Is Key to Great Music

In an interview with Imran Ashraf, veteran musician Mohammed Ali Shehki revealed that romance—real or imagined—is central to his musical process, and urged other artists to embrace the same mindset.

He admitted to envisioning a muse while performing, saying, “An artist has to be in love all the time, whether it’s your wife, girlfriend, or someone from your imagination.”

Tapping into that romantic energy, Shehki performed his hit Pyar Kiya Mein Ne Dil Diya, then reflected on his rise to fame in the 1970s. “There was a lot of craze in that era. Now, with so many singers, no one knows who’s who. Back then, it was just a few of us—actually, just two,” he said, referencing himself and Alamgir.

Shehki recounted how makeup artist Lily Raza, who shared his Irani heritage, helped him break into the entertainment industry. Before his big break, he performed in hotels and eventually landed a spot on a show hosted by Tara Ghanshyam. When Ghanshyam fell ill, Shehki was asked to perform their duet solo.

“I thought I’d lost the opportunity,” he recalled. “But Ghazanfar Ali sahab told me, ‘You’ll sing this solo without any complaints.’ So I did, and the song became a superhit.”

Shehki, also known for acting in films like Dekh Tamasha and Choron Ka Badshah, credited that moment as the turning point in his career.

Also Read: Ajay Devgn Shares Musician’s Apology to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

Music

Abrarul Haq Drops New Song Celebrating Victory Over India

Celebrities across Pakistan are actively paying tribute to the armed forces for their successful defence operations, fuelling a wave of patriotic fervour across the nation.

Singer Abrarul Haq joined the celebrations by releasing a special song dedicated to the victory.

Through powerful lyrics, the track tells how the Pakistani Armed Forces thwarted India’s so-called “Operation Sindoor.”

Abrar highlights the spiritual strength of a Muslim warrior, portraying inner faith as a battlefield force.

He also symbolically mentions “serving tea to the enemy,” a phrase tied to past military encounters.

Abrar shared the song on his official YouTube channel, though the full music video is yet to be released.

Fans praised the song as a morale booster, with one commenting, “Pak Forces deserve this kind of tribute after an amazing victory,” and another adding, “The song is beautiful, and Abrarul Haq sang it with full enthusiasm and zeal.”

Also Read: Abrarul Haq Criticizes Young Artists Extravagant Demands in Music Industry

Music

Atif Aslam Revives ‘Sanu Ek Pal Chain’ of NFAK

Atif Aslam paid tribute to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan by performing Sanu Ek Pal Chain Na Awaey on the new season of Velo Sound Station.

He blended his modern vocal style with NFAK’s original qawwali, creating a seamless fusion. Director Bilal Lashari brought the vision to life, earning widespread praise on social media.

Atif Aslam’s Collaboration With NFAK Will Blow Your Mind

Fans hailed the collaboration of Atif, NFAK, and Lashari as a historic musical moment, celebrating both Pakistan’s musical heritage and its evolving artistry.

Atif Aslam’s Collaboration With NFAK Will Blow Your Mind