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Updated 03 Sep, 2018

Junaid Jamshed, once famous as the face of one of Pakistan's most iconic pop/rock bands Vital Signs, died in a plane crash on December 7, 2016. He was 51. He is survived by a wife, three sons and a daughter.

Junaid was on board Pakistan International Airlines flight PK-661, which crashed on the way to Islamabad from Chitral.

Born on September 3, 1965 and educated at the the University of Engineering and Technology (Lahore), Junaid enjoyed a 17-year stint in the Pakistani pop music industry.

Junaid Jamshed was on top of the singing game in the '90s
Junaid Jamshed was on top of the singing game in the '90s

He shot to fame as the vocalist of Vital Signs, which emerged in 1987 as the project of reclusive TV producer Shoaib Mansoor. Mansoor wanted the band to record a patriotic song and video. The song went on to become the timeless track 'Dil Dil Pakistan'.

Junaid Jamshed with Shoaib Mansoor who was a mentor and great influence to the Vital Signs band
Junaid Jamshed with Shoaib Mansoor who was a mentor and great influence to the Vital Signs band

The hit propelled the band into becoming one of the country’s biggest modern pop acts that would go on to record four best-selling albums and head dozens of concerts between 1989 and 1996. It also bagged the group a lucrative contract from Pepsi Co. Pakistan.

Seen here with the Vital Signs, Junaid Jamshed remained the band's vocalist till 1997
Seen here with the Vital Signs, Junaid Jamshed remained the band's vocalist till 1997

Coupled with his singing talent, Junaid's good loocks earned him a huge female fan following.

A view of a concert organised at a girl's college
A view of a concert organised at a girl's college

Junaid went solo in 1997, releasing his debut solo album, Junaid of Vital Signs.

Junaid Jamshed went solo in 1997
Junaid Jamshed went solo in 1997

He followed that up with two more solo albums, Us Rah Par in 1999 and Dil Ki Baat in 2002.

Junaid Jamshed with his singing contemporaries, Fakhr-e-Alam and Najam Sheraz
Junaid Jamshed with his singing contemporaries, Fakhr-e-Alam and Najam Sheraz

But he was soon to wind up his musical career.

Junaid Jamshed playing a show in Surrey, Australia
Junaid Jamshed playing a show in Surrey, Australia

In 2004, Jamshed left the music industry after a spiritual awakening, choosing to devote his life to religious activities.

Junaid Jamshed with Bollywood actor Aamir Khan and spiritual mentor Tariq Jameel during the 2012 pilgrimage
Junaid Jamshed with Bollywood actor Aamir Khan and spiritual mentor Tariq Jameel during the 2012 pilgrimage

He released his debut religious album, Jalwa-e-Janan in 2005.

Junaid Jamshed in high spirits during Ramazan transmission with Faysal Qureshi and Najam Sheraz
Junaid Jamshed in high spirits during Ramazan transmission with Faysal Qureshi and Najam Sheraz

He followed that up with Mehboob-e-Yazdaan in 2006, Badr-ud-Duja in 2008, and Badee-uz-Zaman in 2009.

Junaid Jamshed at the Muslim Charity fund-raising dinner in the UK in 2013
Junaid Jamshed at the Muslim Charity fund-raising dinner in the UK in 2013

Junaid Jamshed made a brief return from his musical hiatus with the release of 'Chand Sitara' in August last year, a collaboration between Vital Signs and Junoon, another one of Pakistan's most iconic pop/rock bands.

Junaid Jamshed with junoon frontman Salman Ahmad and Vital Signs guitarist Shahi Hasan
Junaid Jamshed with junoon frontman Salman Ahmad and Vital Signs guitarist Shahi Hasan

At the launch, Junaid Jamshed went on stage to perform 'Dil Dil Pakistan'.

The event marked a coming together of old friends.

Junaid Jamshed with friends at the launch of 'Chaand Sitara' track in Lahore
Junaid Jamshed with friends at the launch of 'Chaand Sitara' track in Lahore

Before his unfortunate plane crash, Junaid was spending happy days "with (his) friends in the Path of Allah" in Chitral.

One of Junaid Jamshed's final photographs taken with friends posing against the snowcapped Tirchmir in Chitral
One of Junaid Jamshed's final photographs taken with friends posing against the snowcapped Tirchmir in Chitral

He was travelling to Islamabad when his plane crashed.

One of Junaid Jamshed's final photographs taken with friends posing against the snowcapped Tirchmir in Chitral
One of Junaid Jamshed's final photographs taken with friends posing against the snowcapped Tirchmir in Chitral


A previous version of this story erroneously stated that Junaid Jamshed went solo in 1994. He launched his solo career in 1997. The error is regretted.

Comments

Furkan Dec 07, 2016 08:19pm
Rest in Peace #DilDilPakistan
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Bushra fahim Dec 07, 2016 08:20pm
We loved you throughout our life..and will always love you and pray for you..you will remain in our hearts for ever..
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fayza Dec 07, 2016 08:25pm
Another icon gone.... Inna Lillahe wa inna elaiyhe raji'oon!!
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N_Saq Dec 07, 2016 08:26pm
Inna lil lahai wa ina alaihay raajayoon. RIP
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Rashid nasim Dec 07, 2016 08:39pm
Another hero of mine is gone. My God bless his soul. Great, Great, Great man. Rashid Nasim
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nice Dec 07, 2016 08:47pm
Junaid Jamshed's life in photos - Celebrity
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RAK Dec 07, 2016 08:52pm
RIP JJ. Still love to listen your songs, specially YE SHAAM
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shahbaz asghar Dec 07, 2016 08:52pm
MUCH SAD#WE MISS YOU JUNIAD BHAI
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Masood Dec 07, 2016 09:10pm
A very nice and humble human being. I do not know about his philanthropy , but his manners were commendable. He was Pakistan's Cat Stevens.
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Shiza Dec 07, 2016 09:18pm
My first ever performance in school on stage as little was on Dil Dil Pakistan. :') I always wanted to meet him but this will always be just a "dream."
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fayyaz Dec 07, 2016 09:23pm
inna lillahi wa inna elaihe rajeoon. God bless his soul. You will remain in our heart forever.
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ASB Dec 07, 2016 09:25pm
A very sad day! I was introduced to his music through Pakistani friends as a student in the US. A super talent whose work transcended boundaries. May his craft and contributions be remembered long after this sad day
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TK Dec 07, 2016 09:29pm
RIP brother!
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iztraab Dec 07, 2016 09:33pm
I grew up listening to Vital signs and Junaid Jamshed. my entire teenage is gone in a second:(
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MJS Dec 07, 2016 09:42pm
Death is the only guaranteed reality of this world. Everyone is on the journey that terminates to this bitter end. May the souls of all that died in that plane crash rest in peace till the day of judgement and may their sins be forgiven.
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Abid Muzaffar Dec 07, 2016 10:05pm
inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un !!! you Will Always remain in our heart .. condolence From Srinagar (Kashmir)
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Nekat Dec 07, 2016 10:16pm
#RIP# will sadly be missed and loved forever#JJ
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Raheel Dec 07, 2016 10:24pm
Inna lil lahai wa ina alaihay raajayoon. Will miss you forever! My all time favourite personality in the same rank as legendary Moin Akhtar Sahab.
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Labzank Dec 07, 2016 10:31pm
إِنَّا للهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ
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Zeshan alI Dec 07, 2016 10:32pm
My heart is shattered with this news. No words to explain my feelings. If it was malfunctioning error than PIA CEO needs to resign right away
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hUma mahmood Dec 07, 2016 10:46pm
I am saddened by this bad news. Another tolerant, moderate and non judgmental person with social influence pass away. Hoping against the hope, I wish PIA takes responsibility of incompetence infused by political appointees. PIA has one of the worst plane crash record in the world. Also, have a look at near disasters - countless.
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Imran Dec 07, 2016 11:05pm
Rest In Peace for all who lost their lives
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Haris Dec 08, 2016 12:08am
Can't say anything... So depressed
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masood Dec 08, 2016 12:28am
@fayza May God almighty bless him in peace and give patience to the families whose love ones lost their lives in this tragic accident.
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Asmat khan hayat Dec 08, 2016 12:36am
Junaid...you are alive ....
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Asmat khan hayat Dec 08, 2016 12:37am
@MJS ameen
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Muhammad Adnan Dec 08, 2016 12:42am
Ina lillahe waina ilahe rajeoon. You will always be in our duas. My dear brothers and sisters please spread the dawa work which Junaid bhai was doing as per the teaching of Prophet PBUH. InshahAllah we will meet with you in Jannat
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Zak Dec 08, 2016 12:51am
JJ was the essence of Pakistan. We pray for you, all those on the plane and all the sad families.
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Waseem ahmad Dec 08, 2016 01:45am
I'm numb to say anything. JJ may you rest in peace. Prayers for you with tear eyes and broken hearts.
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kamran bazmi Dec 08, 2016 02:02am
Inna Lillahe wa inna elaihe rajeoon.
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Striker Dec 08, 2016 02:07am
Cant come to terms with the fact that he's no more. Grew up listening to him back in the day. Was a great man in the band, got even better as a human later in his life. Great loss! Will never forget you JJ. RIP!
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Atif r ibrahim Dec 08, 2016 02:20am
I am heart broken. A piece of my childhood has been taken away.
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Kroner Dec 08, 2016 05:22am
I think the world loved him, his voice was god gifted and a wonderful human being. Well God had his role and called him back when he finished it. RIP Junaid, we will miss you.
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wiq Dec 08, 2016 05:33am
Perhaps he knew time is short and changed his ways while at the top of his career.
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Daniyal Dec 08, 2016 05:51am
First Allen Rickman and now Junaid Jamshed. A tragedy after tragedy. May your soul rest in peace.
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asmat kharoti Dec 08, 2016 07:41am
so sad, shall always be your well wisher
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فیصل Dec 08, 2016 07:54am
انا للہ و انا علیہ راجعون۔ اللہ جنید جمشید کی مغفرت کرے اور انکے درجات بلاند کرے۔ آمین۔
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AXH Dec 08, 2016 08:56am
I remember JJ from my UET days in Lahore. My roommate owned a keyboard. Once he brought JJ into our room and asked him to show how to play the notes of Dill Dill Pakistan. RIP JJ.
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Proud Pakistani Dec 08, 2016 09:07am
@Zeshan alI same here bro. We grew up watching junaid bhai and were still watching him. PIA mx will have no clue what happened and will never take the responsibility. We bring them in power and they make us powerless.
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JUNAID farooq Dec 08, 2016 09:09am
Thank you JJ for your musical brilliance. We loved you as a musician, we loved you as a preacher and more importantly we loved you as a person. Very few people get to achieve what you managed to do in your life. Your songs will live in our hearts forever. Rest in peace dear friend.
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Ali Dec 08, 2016 09:12am
Shaheed
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KASHIF Dec 08, 2016 09:20am
إِنَّا للهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ
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junaid tariq Dec 08, 2016 09:28am
Sad moment i grow up watching him
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Muhammad Moeez Dec 08, 2016 09:32am
Didn't like much of his activities during Ramadan Transmissions but still a very sad news. Really upset me.. Rest in peace!
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Dove Dec 08, 2016 09:36am
RIP, you will be missed
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Pakistani Dec 08, 2016 10:16am
There is nothing beautiful than millions being sad for a person who passed away. Love you Junaid bhai
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Shazy Jeo Dec 08, 2016 10:23am
Will always be remembered for next generation to come of your attained to date no other Pakistani patriot could achieve
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Imran AB Dec 08, 2016 10:24am
He will always be alive in our hearts ..... My hero at my youth ....
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FAISAL IQBAL Dec 08, 2016 10:24am
إِنَّا للهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ
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Syedpirbadshah Dec 08, 2016 10:28am
May God bless and your soul rest in firdous al ganna.
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Sohail Dec 08, 2016 11:25am
@Zeshan alI I believe & agree with you 200% this is solely PIA 's fault they have no standard for safety anymore there was time people abroad would proudly take PIA to fly back home not anymore since they lower their standard of quality , safety. They have been banned in numerous countries due to safety concerns. I will recommend people to boycott PIA . They have no value for fellow country man & women
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AnA kurnikova Dec 08, 2016 11:52am
@Rashid nasim : Please tell who all are your other heroes.
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SALMAN ALI Dec 08, 2016 12:10pm
May he rest in peace. He was one of those rare ones who managed three lives in one. Pop Singer, Fashion Designer/Retailer and Evangelist.
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Zubair Rehman Dec 08, 2016 12:33pm
Dil Dil Pakistan Jan Jan Pakistan
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Swaraj Dec 08, 2016 01:26pm
Two JJ's died in a span of two days. First was Jayalalithaa Jayaram
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Ali Asghar Dec 08, 2016 01:33pm
@MJS appreciate your sane and realistic comments....its a new chapter started for him...he needs prayers more than his art and craft that will fade away like he did...we shall all remember our death.
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Muhammad nadeem Dec 08, 2016 01:43pm
we never forget Junaid Jamshed, I never meet him, but i love him too much. It is very very socking news for me
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Muhammad nadeem Dec 08, 2016 01:44pm
The gap of Junaid Jamshed will never fullfill.
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IndiaN Dec 08, 2016 02:43pm
I am an Indian citizen, But I heard your Dil DIl Pakistani. What a beautiful song and have patriotic and emotional depth in it. hatts of friend. May almighty open his arms to welcome you in the world of peace.
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Bakshu Dec 08, 2016 03:14pm
Most of the people here will remember him through his songs. I wonder why. May be nobody knows that he achieved the real purpose of life. May be they never listened to him after he left singing.
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W Ahmed Dec 08, 2016 03:17pm
Everyone Loves Junaid Jamshed
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SYED TAFI UZ ZAMAN FAROOQUI Dec 08, 2016 03:28pm
Another icon passed away.... Inna Lillahe wa inna elaiyhe raji'oon!! RIP
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T A Qazi Dec 08, 2016 03:43pm
An amazing singer, a successful businessman, a leading media personality, a noble preacher of the great religion just at the age of 52, what an achievement JJ!! He was my hero, when I was hero of many in eighties. RIP JJ. You will be missed for a long time.
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tariq mehmood Dec 08, 2016 03:48pm
Junaid Jamshed was the real face of Pakistan. RIP
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Awan Dec 08, 2016 04:01pm
indeed a real icon and loss to pakistan RIP JJ, you will always be remembered.
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AHA Dec 08, 2016 04:14pm
Dil Dil Pakistan, for ever!
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Ejaz Dec 08, 2016 05:20pm
Ejaz and kulsum we haven't stopped crying a icon a son of pakistan
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DR RATHORE Dec 08, 2016 06:52pm
Inna lil lahai wa ina alaihay raajayoon.
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Kar Dec 08, 2016 10:40pm
Spiritual awakening...what is that....grow a beard ? And loose all the grip with reality...
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asad khan Dec 09, 2016 09:49am
I could never understand why people left everything , wealth and family and became devoted followers of Rajnish Maharishi in Oregon in the 80's. But, now I understand; when the soul suffers one can cross all boundaries, leave behind everything to seek peace. JJ gave up everything that to us seems extraordinarily important, but his pain was so deep that he could only find peace in devoting himself to God where there are no expectations but only forgiveness.
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Inzy Dec 09, 2016 11:40am
@Bakshu i agree, almost all people know him for the pop music he composed. Didn't gather many followers after his spiritual transformation.
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Amer Rao toronto Dec 10, 2016 06:53am
RIP J.J
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Faraz Dec 10, 2016 01:16pm
@iztraab Exact same feelings. Feels like a big part of me is gone.
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Faraz Dec 10, 2016 01:31pm
He was the face of Pakistan. He is one of the first people you think about when you think of Pakistanis. Pakistanis are crying inside and its really hard to explain why.
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Azhar hussain Dec 10, 2016 02:47pm
thanks Junaid bhai for addding mooooore pleasure and peaces in our lives. Rest in peace. Love you miss you ......
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Muhammad Mumtaz Hussain Dec 10, 2016 04:53pm
It is very painful to hear the sad demise of Junaid Bhai. May Allah blessed the departed soul and grant fortitude for his family members to bear this irreparable loss.
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Abdul Hannan Dec 10, 2016 05:00pm
Junaid Bhai is my life one of the Man.My sons & wife favorite guys. His naath & Gogol is best in the world.Allah give him & her wife Jannah .He also Tabligi Sofor with Musturat Jamat.
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Basheer Dec 10, 2016 05:53pm
Am deeply depressed. May Allah accept his deeds he did in second half of his life. Certlinly he is shaheed in our eyes as he died while he was on the path for Allah. I still remember him when he visited USA last year, His manners I heard and also witnessed were of highest quality and were studied. Such a sad day for All of us. May Allah bestow Janat upon him. Can't stop thinking about him.
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Muhammad Khurram Dec 11, 2016 01:33am
Allah jannat may aala makam atta karay ... aAmeen
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Shahid Dec 13, 2016 03:56pm
can't stop thinking about him..... ..............
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M. Emad Sep 03, 2017 05:57pm
Young mind, Old ideas.
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Amer RAO Sep 03, 2017 06:06pm
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un , He was a man of action and inspired many. I saw him once in Mississauga, Canada. I saw his fans and their love with JJ. #RIP #JJ
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Imajes Sep 03, 2017 06:15pm
Jamshed Akbar Khan father of JJ was a great pious person. I had an honor to be within his group at Raiwind congregation. It was he who mend JJ thoughts towards preaching religion, and distance from music . JJ obeyed his father and changed his ways towards JJ business. Let us serve both JJ and his father, by praying God to grant more blessings and rewards to them.
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Anand varma Sep 03, 2017 07:21pm
I am sad as he did not find a real place in India. No one really knows Vital Signs in India. They however have probably the most iconic tracks as a Urdu rock band. Tum mil Gaye yeh sham..challa who Kahn thi and many more
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Chooran Sep 03, 2017 09:32pm
Love u JJ
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r t Khan Sep 03, 2017 09:35pm
Inna Lillahe wa inna elaiyhe raji'oon!
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ha Sep 04, 2017 12:19am
Great Human being. He left the world doing what he liked the most.
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aman Sep 04, 2017 01:53am
Very Lucky man!
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Amer Sep 04, 2017 07:13am
The only thing confirmed in this world is death ! Rest is all a mirage.
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Tahir Sep 04, 2017 10:53am
Truly an Angel.... Loved him since I grew up listening his songs & watching his selfless work towards charity, ISLAM, welfare & humanity. I have met him in person, and found him perfect & flawless man on earth! Will keep missing him........
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Tahir Sep 04, 2017 10:54am
Truly an Angel.... Loved him since I grew up listening his songs & watching his selfless work towards charity, ISLAM, welfare & humanity. I have met him in person, and found him perfect & flawless man on earth! Will keep missing him........
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Rabz Sep 04, 2017 12:52pm
Not a day goes by when l don't miss this legend. Rest in peace.
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Rabz Sep 04, 2017 01:02pm
Not a day goes by where we don't miss this legend! Rest in peace.
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Rabz Sep 04, 2017 01:04pm
I was at uni, when someone told me and l thought it was a joke! When l realised it wasn't my life just came to stand still! A great loss sadly for all us.
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Zahid khoso Sep 04, 2017 06:25pm
This is it. The lives of the most precious people even the most precious than diamonds are like just dreams and they pass before our eyes in the wink of eyes.. !
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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Sep 04, 2017 06:41pm
Excellent pictures of my contemporary of the five-years stint in the Mechanical Engineering Department at the famous and historic West Pakistan University of Engineering and Technology, Grand Trunk Road, Mughalpura, Lahore-Islamic Republic of Pakistan. May God Almighty bless his soul in peace and solace at the Jannat-ul-Firdous. Aameen, Tsum Aameen.
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Mazhar Farooq Sep 05, 2017 08:18am
May Allha Rest in peace.... We Love
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Faizan Bin Asif Sep 08, 2017 11:17am
On every eve, on every winning....on every game, on every national day... #DilDilPakistan reminds you.
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Zak Sep 04, 2018 06:40am
We miss this icon.
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