Written by: Muhammad Suhayb
Posted on: August 12, 2024 | 
Human Pakistani flag in Lahore
Each generation has its unique moments and sentiments that shape their perception of their country and its evolution. It was an altogether different place that I grew up in, and any 40-odd-year-old can vouch for that. We had a city of our own, (no intruders), a television channel for ourselves, libraries for peace of mind, cricket and hockey teams to die for, and a 14 August to be proud of. No one missed special Independence Day shows in schools/colleges, and houses and buildings were decorated with flags and lights. Patriotic songs were used as tools to promote national unity and pride, especially in times of political or social upheaval.
The generation that witnessed the Indo-Pak War of 1965 got accustomed to, ‘patriotic songs’. The songs that kept the adrenaline running during the 17-day war were either praising the armed forces or mocking the enemy. India avenged their defeat as a result of our own blunders and mistakes.
Jamiluddin Aali, Sohail Rana and Nisho
It was during that time that both wings needed something to stay united. Music touches our inner soul and helps in inspiring fighting. The most memorable of the songs was Jamiluddin Aali’s, Jeevay Jeevay Pakistan, which translates to Long Live Pakistan. Rendered by Shahnaz Begum and composed by Sohail Rana in 1971, the song was released at the height of the Indo-Pak War of 1971. Choosing a singer who belonged to East Pakistan was a clear message of unity, yet the loss of the East wing is still mourned. Sohni Dharti Allah Rakkay by Masroor Anwar soon followed. It had the same combo of Shahnaz Begum-Sohail Rana, turning it into a prayer that many rendered for Pakistan’s longevity with a Qadam Qadam Abaad Tujhe. Sohail Rana’s, Tera Pakistan hai, made him the music director with the most hummable tunes, but legendary music director Nisar Bazmi was not far behind. Someone who migrated to Pakistan in the 60s, Nisar Bazmi only managed to give time to television, after he took semi-retirement from films. Be it Mehdi Hassan’s iconic, Yeh Watan Tumhara Hai (This is your Land), Alamgir’s, Khayal Rakna or Hum Zinda Qaum hai (We are a Vibrant Nation), gave a message of hope even during challenging periods.
Khayal Rakhna by Alamgir
Pakistan got its Constitution in 1973, and on a terse notice, poet Jamil-uddin Aali was asked by PM Zulfikaar Ali Bhutto to pen down a song that would complement the moment. Aali ji wrote the lines, Mera Inaam Pakistan, Mera Paigham Pakistan (My Reward is my Country), which was sung by Ahmed Rushdi and composed by the veteran duo of Lal Muhammad-Iqbal. Relayed on Radio, it was an instant hit! 24 years later, when Pakistan was celebrating its Golden Jubilee, Aali ji was requested by another Prime Minister, this time Nawaz Sharif, for a very similar song. Aali ji recommended the same hurriedly written song, and selected Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan to sing and Niaz Ahmed to recompose the tune. The song was aired from July 1997, until the 14th of August. Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan never had the opportunity to sing a national song and the rehashed song became his identity; the most revered qawwal died two days after Pakistan’s Golden Jubilee celebration. Niaz Ahmed, who had earlier composed Aali ji’s, Jo Naam Wohi Pehchan (Our source of recognition is Pakistan) with Nayyara Noor’s rendition, and Hum Maen Hum Behnain (Us Sisters of this Land), sung by Naheed Akhter, who knew how to render patriotic songs.
Jamiluddin Aali
It was in 1975, that a film Farz aur Mamta (Duty and the Motherland), was released. It had a song Iss Parcham ke Saaye Talay (Under the Shadow of this Flag), where a young Nayyara Noor was inspiring people as Pakistan was recovering from the trauma of having lost half the country. Considered to be the most popular milli naghma (Patriotic Song) of the post-East Pakistan period, it was written by Kaleem Usmani and composed by M Ashraf.
The arrival of color television in Pakistan in the late 1970s brought about a new era of broadcasting. This technological advancement provided an opportunity to enhance the visual appeal of television programs, including those that carried patriotic themes. Special programs for national holidays like Independence Day (14th August) and Pakistan Day (23rd March) featured patriotic songs, often accompanied by elaborate performances that highlighted the nation's achievements and cultural heritage. Be it Iranian-born Muhammad Ali Shehki singing Main bhi Pakistan Hoon (I too am a Pakistani) on a Chinese-inspired tune by Sohail Rana, or folk singer Allan Faqir rendering Itnay baray Jeevan Saagar Mein by Niaz Ahmed, the songs often emphasized themes of togetherness, resilience, and the shared identity of the Pakistani people. Similarly, during ZAB’s tenure, at a minorities' conference, veteran singer SB John, who belonged to the Christian faith, produced a gem of a song. When John performed ‘Ae Arz E Watan Tu Hi Bata Teri Sada Per, Kia Hum Ne Kabhi Farz Se Inkaar Kia Hai’ (Oh Pakistan, have we ever shirked our responsibility towards you), there was thunderous applause from the crowd. Penned by Saqi Javed and composed by himself, the song struck the then-Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and his minister for religious affairs Maulana Kausar Niazi, as if the minorities were asking the nation to quell its doubts over their loyalty.
Ahmed Rushdi singing for Radio Pakistan
As the 1980s drew to a close, Pakistan's music landscape underwent a significant transformation. The rise of pop music was spearheaded by the trailblazing bands like Vital Signs and their iconic song Dil Dil Pakistan (Pakistan is my Heart and Soul), became an instant hit. The song captured the hearts of millions, embodying the patriotic spirit of a new generation. Junoon and Awaaz followed, and songs like Hai Jazba Junoon (The Passion in our Hearts for this Land) and Ae Jawan (Oh Young Man), became part of the 14th August celebrations. These songs became part of the lives of many and the tradition continued until the early nineties.
Vital Signs
Currently, its Inter-Services Public Relation produce loud ‘soul-less’ songs our kids have to suffer, and life has become so fast that one has to work round the clock to make both ends meet, let alone the ‘off day’, and patriotism has become a thing of the past for Gen Z. However, many like me recall with nostalgia when life was beautiful and the songs inspiring.
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