Pakistanis around the world rejoice Independence Day with great zest and fervour. Streets are lit up with the national flag, people wear green and white and head out for long drives while listening to their all-time favourite patriotic songs. There is positive energy, great vibes and nostalgia as the country comes together to celebrate what Pakistan stands for – Unity, Faith and Disclipline. For the unversed, August 14, 1947, was the day when Pakistan gained freedom and was declared a sovereign state following the end of the British Raj. As the nation turns another year older, we take a trip down memory lane at some of the best and evergreen songs that capture the spirit of independence.
Wattan Ki Mitti
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xD1cebu7v9o
Sung by legendary artist Nayyara Noor, Wattan Ki Mitti is one of the most calming yet though-provoking national songs. Released in 1985, this classic is played at Independence Day gatherings till date. A close analysis of the lyrics mean that your land is witness to everything you have been through. A truly patriotic number, it tugs right at our heart strings!
Lab Pai Aati Hai
The lyrics were penned by Pakistan’s national poet Allama Iqbal. Often sung after the official Pakistani anthem, Lap Pai Aati Hai is often sung at school assemblies and concerts. It is one such poem that every child and adult knows at the tip of their tongue and holds close to the heart. It screams patriotism at its finest!
Dil Dil Pakistan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GC02lR8c_k
Oh, this one has our heart, soul and everything else! Dil Dil Pakistan was beautifully song by the late Junaid Jamshed. It was released in 1987 by the pop band Vital Signs and featured in the band’s debut album, Vital Signs 1. It is commonly known as Pakistan’s second national anthem. Interestingly, the blockbuster hit was plagiarized by India to create Dil Dil Hindustan.
Jazba-e-Junoon
The Junoon band released the song in 1996 as part of its album Inquilaab, which became an instant hit. Despite being the band’s first hit song, it managed to secure the position of signature song in the 1996 Cricket World Cup. It is called the greatest rock hit in Pakistan music’s history.
Jeevay Jeevay Pakistan
Upbeat and pumping, this single can make you lose your voice while singing! The jazbaa surrounding it is like no other. It is one of the oldest and famous patriotic songs, uplifting spirits and reinforcing the proverb ‘Long Live Pakistan’. It was released in 1965 at the time of the Pakistan-India war. The song was written by Nawabzada Mirza Jamiluddin Ahmed Khan and crooned by Shehnaz Begum.
Yai Watan Tumhara Hai
There is no Mehdi Hasaan that has not become a fan favourite. Yai Watan Tumhara Hai, however, leads the pack in the myriad of songs churned out by Hasaan in his decades long career. The song was released in 1962. A rendition of the song was produced many years on, featuring popular stars from Pakistani entertainment.
Sohni Dharti
Sohni Dharti was released after the Pak-Indo war in 1965. It was sung by Shehnaz Begum, who was a Bangladeshi singer. It was later revisited by Mehdi Hassan, following the creation of East Pakistan. The song is more of a call to prayer to keep Pakistan united and safe. Not very long ago, Coke Studio relaunched the song with new voices. While it was greatly done, nothing can beat the original!
Is Parcham K Saye Talay
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x29OJ8iBFqk
Not many know this song by heart but it holds great significance not just for Muslims but the minorities in Pakistan as well. This is primarily because it was sung by the Benjamin Sisters (Nerissa, Beena and Shabana), often referred to as singing sensations in Pakistan and North India. They belonged to a Christian family and used chorus performances in their singing.
Mera Paigham Pakistan
A sentimental song, Mera Paigham Pakistan stirs a string of emotions amongst Pakistanis. Sung by the famous Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, his voice and style of singing is enough to get us teary-eyed and feel unmatched love for the country that we owe everything to. His soulful voice makes us appreciate every word and lyric, making it all the more relatable and heartfelt.
Dil Se Meiney Dekha Pakistan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rx9qWr4InM
Written by Haroon Rashid, Dil Se Meiney Dekha Pakistan is an ode to all those who struggled day in and day out to make Pakistan a reality. The lyrics are a stark reminder of the fact that we must all appreciate all the hard work, blood, sweat and tears that went into the creation of a country which has selflessly given us more than we could ever ask for. All 10 classics mentioned in the list hold their own and are irreplaceable. Let’s say it together, Pakistan Zindabad!