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    Hadiqa Kiani: the Music Diva of Pakistan

    Written by: Amna Javed
    Posted on: May 05, 2015 |

    Hadiqa with her mother and brother

    If you have grown up listening to Pakistani music, you would have probably hummed her songs and grooved to one of her catchy melodies. Hadiqa Kiani is one of the most versatile and prominent female singers that the Pakistani music industry has produced. The ‘boohay barian’ girl, rightly referred to as the music diva of Pakistan, not only has a great voice but also a strong presence on and off the stage.

    Born and bred in Rawalpindi, Hadiqa’s mother has had a strong contribution to her career and the consequent success over the last two decades. At the tender age of 3, Hadiqa’s father passed away and it was all up to her mother Khawar, to provide for her three children. Khawar, principal of a local government school, enrolled them at the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) Children Art Workshop, where Mr. Asad Qazilbash then unearthed the glorious talent that the young Hadiqa possessed. Proving her mettle ever since she was a child, Hadiqa managed to dominate the music arena of Pakistan even before it existed as such.

    Pakistani Singer Hadiqa Kiani

    Hadiqa, Irfan and Sasha (1989)

    When asked about the current state of the Pakistani music industry and its prospects, she poured her heart out. “We’re not taking our art and culture seriously, which is the true face of this country.” Recalling her childhood, she mentioned how PNCA acted as a patron for all activities relating to art and culture and provided a solid platform for children to explore the artist within them. Even though it was General Zia-ul-Haq’s regime, when art and culture suffered severely, PNCA managed to produce stars like Hadiqa, Ustaad Raees Khan and Ustaad Nafees Khan. PNCA took the responsibility of developing their talents and sponsored their trips to countries such as Greece, Jordan and Turkey where they had an opportunity to socialize with the locals and learn about their culture. “The security and comfort that PNCA provided back in the days was the reason that parents like mine made an extra effort to have their children enrolled at the Children Art Workshop. That security and confidence, along with similar initiatives in institutions is missing these days.”

    After her recent performance at the Music Mela in Islamabad, Hadiqa was very optimistic about the revival of the Pakistan Music Industry. Having seen the days where it was the most dynamic industry, she feels that in the wake of recent developments (relating to terrorism and extremism) music industry has been plunged into darkness. “You’d be surprised to know that there is only one Sitar maker left in Pakistan now,” she decried, adding that the industry is deprived of the attention that it deserves. The makers of traditional musical instruments have disappeared entirely from the markets and the skill is not being passed on to future generations because there is no earning from this field.

    Kiani elaborated how art and culture in general took a hit during the last ten years, but it is music that has been thrown into the darkest pit. The television and film industry are being revived and are witnessing mushrooming growth; however, music industry is still in shambles. “Our children are disconnected with their culture; they need to be familiarized with their roots,” she said with great enthusiasm. “While judging the Pakistan Idol, I witnessed remarkably talented youngsters who were bubbling with passion and determination, but there are hardly any platforms for them.” Delving further into the root of the problem she cited the absence of record labels as an important factor for the poor state of music and musicians in the country. She explained how artists are reluctant to choose music as their primary field because it requires them to produce their albums themselves and there are no institutions that offer support in that regard. Besides that, local music channels do exist, but they have started airing content from across the border as it attracts more viewers. Therefore, the avenues for local artists are extremely limited. Due to the deteriorating security situation, concerts and musical evenings rarely take place, and one is left wondering where to showcase their talent. 

    Hadiqa then went on to describe the difficulties that her brother (Irfan Kiani) went through to find old Pakistani music instruments for her upcoming music album. When asked about her brother’s role in her life, Hadiqa referred to him as her “pillar” and “support system”. “At the back end, it is Irfan who manages everything for me.”

    Hadiqa reiterated that traditional musical instruments must be preserved for the generations to come and the best way to rejuvenate interest in them is to integrate them with modern-day music. Known for her experimentation and variations in genres and style, Hadiqa is now venturing into Qawwali. Her new album would feature traditional Pakistani instruments, such as the sitar, sarod and dambur (used by Akhatr Chinar). “My brother has a great role in digging up these lost instruments,” she explained.

    Pakistani Singer Hadiqa Kiani

    Along with other activities, Hadiqa also indulges in philanthropy and regularly collaborates with organizations such as Edhi Foundation and UNDP to help in disaster relief efforts and fund raising. She emphasized that she looks forward to being part of initiatives that help the underprivileged people of the country to grow and prosper and is always enthusiastic to take up the cause of woman empowerment, education, health and environment.

    Stars such as Hadiqa can play a vital role in instilling a sense of social responsibility in our society and can also promote humanitarian causes on a grand scale. An inspiration for many, the music diva effectively splits her time between her family, commitment to music and extensive humanitarian work.

    For Hadiqa, performing at the Music Mela was a reminder that the young Pakistani crowd still craves good music and that there is tremendous potential that can be tapped into. “We need to establish avenues that these children can tread on, similar to the platform that I was provided with a young age.” Being a product of PNCA, she strongly felt that such platforms would provide our withering music with a much-needed boost.


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021