Mehdi Hasan
In the late 60's, the king of ghazal, Mehdi Hasan, came up with an evergreen patriotic number titled “Aai Watan Pyare Watan” to portray his immense love for his homeland. The track is still widely played on independence day and simply immortal.
Noor Jehan
Madam Noor Jehan is renowned for composing tracks for each and every occasion, such as weddings, mehndis, Defence Day and Independence Day. In her nationalistic effort, “Aai Watan Key Sajeelay Jawano”, she dedicates her music to the brave men who safeguard the boundaries of Pakistan. She rightly sings, "Aay watan key sajeelay jawano, mere naghme tumahre lye hain." It's one of those tracks that fires up the feeling of patriotism in your blood. Another excellent number is a Punjabi number called "Putar".
Nayyara Noor
A singer with an extremely alluring voice, Nayyar Noor’s famous Independence Day track is “Watan Ki Mitti Gawah Rehna". This is probably one of my favourite numbers because of the extremely morale boosting lyrics and the beautiful melody. “Is Parcham Kay Saye Talle” is another of her treasures.
Farida Khanum
Farida Khanum is a renowned Pakistani ghazal singer and has been given the title Malika-e-Ghazal (Queen of Ghazal) in recognition of her singing talents throughout her career, which spans well over five decades. Last year, she came out with a song called "Hum Bolain Azadi Ki Zaban" along with the versatile Najam Sheraz - their first-ever, on-screen duet. Actor-director Shaan, who has proved his professional skills, directed this video and song. He has artistically portrayed the feelings of kindness, happiness, freedom, and most importantly - unity. The soul-searching video depicts an image of togetherness as one nation while delivering the message of tolerance and strengthening the bond of freedom, love and unity.
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
Maestro Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan composed a devoted masterpiece in the last stages of his life in the form of “Mera Paigham Pakistan”. The track features a chorus consisting of children humming “Pakistan Pakistan Pakistan” while Khan Sahib’s qawwali and vocals are, as usual, top class.
Saleem Javed
SJ's love for Pakistan is clearly depicted in his music. His famous patriotic tracks include “Pakistan Humara Watan”; “Pak Zameen Mai Tujhay Yun Salam Likhta Hoon”: “Pakistan Pakistan”; “Tu Hai Pakistani”; and “Des Mera Des”. He has remixed many old national songs and army songs like “Pakistani Fauj Kay Jawan Hain Hum” and “Tera Pakistan, Mera Pakistan”. He has also performed songs for Pakistani sports such as cricket, including “Miandad the Great” from 1986 (made after winning the Sharjah Cup, 1986) and the World Cup tribute in 1996 “Phir aya aya yeh World Cup”.
Vital Signs
In the early 90s, Vital Signs brought about a revolution in Pakistani pop music. Mellow ballads and upbeat numbers were their high points. Although nearly every song of theirs is still listened to, the track that is still an anthem when 14th August comes round the corner is “Dil Dil Pakistan”. Junaid Jamshed's vocals and the lyrics have such energy that it lifts the spirits of any Pakistani. Later in their career, the band came up with awe-inspiring tracks like “Maula” and “Hum Hain Pakistani”.
Ali Haider
Ali's most famous national number is titled “Tera Tera Mera Mera Pakistan” from his superhit album, Sandesa. The track was a major hit and is still played on 14th August. According to Ali, he plans to re-do the track with a video.
Najam Sheraz
One person who understands his responsibility to strive for the prosperity of Pakistan is undoubtedly Najam Sheraz. The veteran singer has more than a dozen patriotic, anti terrorist, social tracks, etc. under his belt. Tracks like “Aao Wahan Chalain”; “Hamari Pehchan”; “Gilay Shikway Sab Bhula Do”; “Shahpar”; “Ae Watan”; and the latest “Is Des Kae Rang Hazar”. In 2006, Najam also reproduced the National Anthem of Pakistan for the first time since 1947.
Awaz
The trio of Haroon, Faakhir and Asad Ahmed always composed thought-provoking numbers such as one against corruption, “Mr. Fraudiay”. On the patriotic side of things, Awaz were successful in lifting the nation's spirits with “Watan Kahani” and their melodious single “Aay Jawan”. The video of the latter received amazing airplay on all the channels, making it one of the most acclaimed patriotic numbers.
Haroon
The breakup of Awaz saw Haroon and Faakhir going solo. In addition to the marvelous pop rock tracks Haroon is usually known for, the celebrated pop star came up with a passionate track “Dil Se Mene Dekha Pakistan” in his second studio outing, Lagan. The track is remembered for Haroon's zealous vocals and rousing chorus. Keeping up the tradition of an obligatory national number, his latest album, Haroon Ka Nasha, has a motivational song for the youth, “Hum Hain”.
Faakhir
Interestingly, Faakhir's first single was a Pakistan number. The track entitled, “Dil Na Lagay” , showcased the singer's love and devotion for his homeland. It is the story of a Pakistani who misses his homeland miserably. The catchy track became a must performance for Faakhir's live gigs.
Junoon
In the times of Vital Signs' “Dil Dil Pakistan”, Pakistan won the Cricket World Cup in 1992. The job was taken over by Junoon in 1996, when Pakistan went out to defend the cup. Although, Pakistan couldn't defend the trophy, “Jazba Junoon” became one of the biggest music hits across the country. The video of the track was equally supported by victorious cricket moments fused with Ali Azmat's enthralling vocals and Salman Ahmed’s blistering guitar waves. “Azadi” from the soundtrack of the movie, Jinnah, is another effort worth mentioning from the now dismantled band, which portrays Quaid-e-Azam's struggle for a separate homeland.
Jawad Ahmed
Jawad did his part to portray his fidelity and enthusiasm towards Pakistan with gems like “Tu Hi Dildaar Hai” and “Dosti”. Both the tracks are packed with inspirational lyrics and heart rending vocals. “Dosti” is a tribute to the Pakistan Army, whose soldiers are so loyal to their homeland that they can give away their lives for it.
Hadiqa Kiani
The lady with an alluring voice, Hadiqa Kiani did her part to express her love for Pakistan with the loyal number, “'Inteha-e-Shauq”', a splendid message giving number.
Shiraz Uppal
Shiraz Uppal is a martyr's son and he has immense love for his country. His national songs include “Yaad Aya”, “Merey Des” and “Hum Charon Humdum” which deliver the same message of unity and peace.
Abbas Ali Khan
Abbas Ali Khan is the grandson of Pakistan’s first PM, Liaquat Ali Khan. He had massive success with his debut album, Sun Re. “Des Ki Khushboo” is a terrific devoted number sung in true national spirit and passion.
Jal
Jal's latest album, Boondh, has an obligatory patriotic number in the form of “Yeh Tera Pakistan”. The track has uplifting lyrics and targets the youth of Pakistan. It encourages them to stay firm against all the difficulties and work hard for the prosperity of the country.
Call
Call's “Kal Humara Hai” is a true national spirit lifter. Junaid and Xulfi's grave vocals coupled with Xulfi's scorching guitar riffs and a young chorus makes this track a treat to listen to.
Mizmaar and Gurus -Trilogy
”Himmat” is a joint production of the veteran band, Mizmaar, and the latest sensation, Gurus-Trilogy. The track follows a vibrant and energetic beat especially engineered to lift the spirits of our national heroes. The track is a fusion of Alfred D' Mello's inspired drumming, Mohsin Allahditta's high keyboard notes, Kashan Admani's and Sayyam Rana's blistering guitar chords and Glenn John's and Daniyal Badshah's enthralling vocals.
Akash
Akash's “Hum Azaad Hain”, taken from their debut album, Aks, is a guitar- influenced rock number. It's a great sight to witness young bands like Akash understanding the need for such morale boosting tracks.n
