Written by: Muhammad Suhayb
Posted on: March 20, 2025 | 
| 中文
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Niaz Ahmed
Do you know what truly unites us Pakistanis? It is no longer just cricket or food, but our national songs. Whether it is Dil Dil Pakistan by Vital Signs, Yeh Watan Tumhara Hai by Mehdi Hassan, Mera Inaam Pakistan by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, or Noor Jehan's Ae Watan Ke Sajeelay Jawano, these anthems awaken something profound within us. Come March 23, August 14, or September 6, we Pakistanis seem like a different breed altogether. People of all ages hum these songs at the sight of a flag, while radio and TV play them continuously throughout the day.
Mehdi Hassan
Songs may come and go on national days, but imagine having a book that preserves them all, a comprehensive collection of every national song ever created. Such a treasure exists in Har Taan, Pakistan, by journalist and broadcaster Absar Ahmed. Published as an encyclopedia of national songs, this 702-page book chronicles the complete history of such songs and delves into the origins of these powerful anthems. It is Absar's second book, the first being titled Naghmay Pakistan Kay.
Regarded as an authority on the research of national songs, Absar's exploration traces back to Allama Iqbal's national poem, Cheen-o-Arab Hamara, which became the first milli naghma to be properly composed and recorded more than a hundred years ago, echoing through school assemblies and into the hearts of generations. When my grandfather used to tell me that some of his Hindu classmates would fall silent during Muslim Hain Hum, Watan Hai Pakistan Hamara, I found it hard to believe. However, reading Har Taan Pakistan not only confirmed his stories but also gave me a deeper understanding of the emotions and impact these patriotic songs had across different communities. This book truly captures the spirit of Pakistan through the verses that have united us over the years.
I came across Har Taan Pakistan, while researching for an article on veteran singer Ghulam Abbas. When Mr. Abbas, known for his powerful rendition of Ae Pak Watan Ae Pak Zameen, claimed to have sung the most patriotic songs in Pakistan, I was skeptical. His confidence made me curious, so I decided to dig deeper. That’s when I got hold of this book and discovered that he was indeed telling the truth, and it was my limited knowledge that had misled me.
Ghulam Abbas
In a country where comprehensive literature on patriotic songs is almost nonexistent, despite other nations compiling their collections, this book was nothing short of a blessing. It not only validated Mr. Abbas’s claim but also served as an invaluable resource, filling a significant gap in the documentation of Pakistan's musical history. If you think Mr. Ifrahim has only rendered one national song, Zameen Ki Gode Rang Se, like I did, you are mistaken. Mentored by the legendary singer Muhammad Rafi as a teen, Ifrahim migrated to Pakistan in the 1960s and went on to sing the most songs in this category, as the book meticulously details.
The book is divided into 13 chapters, the first covering national songs released on gramophones and broadcast on All India Radio before the creation of Pakistan. This includes Iqbal's poetry, songs of the Pakistan Movement, and tributes to Quaid-e-Azam. The second chapter begins in the year 1947 and covers songs produced till 1956, the year Pakistan became a republic. This section includes national songs broadcast on Radio Pakistan as well as those from the film industry.
Absar's writing style is so captivating that even readers who are not particularly interested in the subject find themselves wanting to read more. The book takes the audience on a nostalgic journey, connecting patriotic songs to the significant changes unfolding in Pakistan, insights that our Pakistan Studies books often overlook.
Nisar Bazmi and Masroor Anwar
From the third chapter onwards, Pakistan emerges as a different country, both politically and militarily. Whether it is the imposition of Martial Law or the 1965 war with India, discussed in the fourth chapter, the book uplifts the reader's spirits, making them feel as if they are right at the warfront. While the powerful patriotic songs from that era remain popular, the stories behind their creation add a profound sense of pride. Who went to the border, and who offered their services free? Which songs played a key role in keeping the nation motivated? You will find all the answers here.
There is an entire chapter dedicated to the 1971 war with India, which resulted in the loss of East Pakistan. Despite the heartfelt efforts of television and radio artists to inspire and uplift the nation, the separation was a tragic reality. The songs highlighted in this chapter beautifully capture the nation's grief, anger, and unwavering hope for a better future. The way legends like Mehdi Hassan, Ahmed Rushdi, Noor Jehan, and Iqbal Bano tried to uplift the spirits of a demoralized nation was no easy task.
Ahmed Rushdi singing a song
The book helps us in identifying music directors and poets who worked tirelessly to come up with songs that are still remembered. However, the book presents this period with a sincerity that brings readers Sohail Rana, Nisar Bazmi, and Khalil Ahmed composed many iconic songs set to the lyrics of Jamil Uddin Aali, Masroor Anwar, and Sehba Akhtar — a collaboration that has since achieved legendary status.
Jamiluddin Aaali, Suhail Rana and film-star Nisho
Har Taan Pakistan not only covers Urdu songs but also includes those broadcasts in provincial and regional languages, as well as Bengali national songs produced in East Pakistan. The book features the complete text, background, and commentary on many rare and popular national songs from all languages.
The ninth chapter turns out to be interesting as it discusses how patriotic songs evolved with the rise of musical bands and the introduction of private television channels, which sparked healthy competition. However, the latter part of the book suggests that patriotic songs gradually lost their charm, possibly due to a focus on quantity over quality. While the book covers songs from 2000 to 2023, only a few stand out, reflecting a shift in both the music industry and the nation’s priorities, not to forget the decline in the influence of Pakistan Television Network and Radio Pakistan.
Sohail Rana and Ahmed Rushdi
Overall, Har Taan Pakistan is more than just a history of national songs; it is a reflection of Pakistan’s cultural and emotional journey over the years. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in music, history, or patriotism. It's a heartfelt tribute to the spirit of Pakistan, encapsulated through its patriotic songs.
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