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Singers from across Pakistan gather to re-record more ‘inclusive’ version of the national anthem for Independence Day

Singers from across Pakistan gather to re-record more ‘inclusive’ version of the national anthem for Independence Day

The diverse musical talent includes artists Abid Brohi, Arif Lohar, Taj Mastani, Sidra Kanwal, Fakhir Mehmood and many others.
30 Jul, 2022

The national anthem of Pakistan is ready to be re-released on August 14 and it’s going to be sung in a far more inclusive way. Gender-balanced and inclusive of musical talent from all over the country, the re-recording promises to use the original wording to create a sound that resonates with all Pakistanis.

“Formed in July 2021 and mandated by the present Government, the Steering Committee has endeavoured to bring to Pakistan a re-recording of the original National Anthem that reflects updated inclusivity in sound, voice and spirit, while ensuring the sanctity of the original words and composition,” the announcement read on the re-recording’s Instagram page.

Honouring the 75th anniversary of Pakistan’s independence, the committee has vowed to enlist vocalists from diverse regional, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, from all religious faiths and musical genres. “It is intended that the re-recording in 2022 becomes an occasion to bring together the rich diversity of the nation to express the unique national identity and solidarity of the people of Pakistan.”

The original musical score was composed by Ahmed G. Chagla and written by poet Abdul Hafeez Jalandhari. The first official anthem was recorded in 1954. It featured a limited number of voices and was recorded with the facilities available at the time. In the succeeding 70 years, however, there have been major developments in music technology as well in the emergence of diverse musical talent in the country.

The selection of diverse musicians includes Abid Brohi, an award winning hip-hop artist from Balochistan well-known for his ‘Sibbi Song’.

Internationally renowned Punjabi folk singer Arif Lohar, famous for his ‘Alif Allah (Jugni)’ is also part of the list.

Sindhi singer Taj Mastani will also be bringing her magic with her folk musical instruments to the anthem.

Trained in modern folk, Sehar Gul Khan is an emerging artist from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa known for her vocals in ‘Bol Kaffara’.

Hailing from Gilgit Baltistan is Sidra Kanwal, a classical music student who has serenaded many in international competitions.

Other artists include Fakhir Mehmood from Karachi, seasoned singer Fariha Pervez, prominent singer Bilal Saeed, RJ Jia Nauman from Islamabad, Zohaib Zaman from Azad Kashmir and many more.

Comments

Taj Ahmed Jul 30, 2022 06:15pm
Great great idea, please go for it, Pakistan and all Pakistanis need it and to celebrate our 75th birthday, remember……United We Stand…….,,,,, Divided We Fall………..Pakistan Zindabad…..,,,,,,,,,,,
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Fastrack Jul 30, 2022 06:25pm
Hands down the most beautiful, soul lifting anthem in the world.
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Common Man Jul 30, 2022 06:26pm
What anthem and what independence! Look at what they have done to this country, all of them, ALL of them!
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Sheraz Ali Rizvi Jul 30, 2022 06:51pm
Is it sponsored by ISPR?
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Nasser Jul 30, 2022 07:08pm
A positive step indeed; it would be quite an achievement if you can top the music. However, the judicious use of technolical advance in music can do wonders. More importantly, the inclusion of all, irrespective of race, religion ( gender already taken care of in the original) etc would create national cohesiveness, the real NEED of our nation. One point of caution; the pronunciation has to be perfect, especially the ق.
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Burjor Rustomji Jul 30, 2022 07:50pm
The very first time the Pakistan National Anthem was played was by Behram H.J. Rustomji on a piano . Let this fact not be forgotten or ignored.
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SuperTrack Jul 30, 2022 08:12pm
Okay now let's also rewrite the words of the national anthem to be more "inclusive" in sound, voice and spirit
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Hisham Marwat Jul 30, 2022 09:25pm
Very nice.
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GreenAura Jul 30, 2022 09:36pm
Magnificent. Pakistan's anthem is a work of beauty.
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Art Jul 30, 2022 10:01pm
Nation anthem has no meaning to common people, land of pure only belongs to neutrals and a few other powerful mafias!
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HashBrown® Jul 30, 2022 10:30pm
@SuperTrack "Okay now let's also rewrite the words of the national anthem to be more "inclusive" in sound, voice and spirit" The very fact that you've posted this comment strongly suggests that you have no idea what the words of the anthem even are.
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Syed A. Mateen Jul 30, 2022 10:45pm
Listening National Anthem have always inspired me and always stand in respect of the National Athem. National Athem is not only pride of Pakistan, but it is also a pride for every Pakistani whether he lives in the country or abroad, including myself. I would love to listen the re-recorded National Anthem by the renound singers when it will be released on August 14, 2022 on the 75th birthday of Pakistan. Pakistan Zindabad
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John Jul 30, 2022 11:43pm
Not original , the anthem was changed
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Tariq Jul 31, 2022 01:22am
This is amazing
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AJ Jul 31, 2022 03:34am
I never knew we are independent and soveriegn country.
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nk Jul 31, 2022 04:50am
What is the need of this exercise every year. Constant changes may ruin the whole thing. Please leave it alone.
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nk Jul 31, 2022 04:51am
@SuperTrack Very naive comment.
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Dadeeji Jul 31, 2022 07:49am
Very good news. A happy news. We should practice inclusivity in all spheres of life.
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Momtaz Jul 31, 2022 09:52am
Great idea and I for one am for the antem to be revieved to make it matching with Pakistans 75th year
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apakmuslim Jul 31, 2022 09:56am
Good work. Hope it includes all sections including minorities. Time to show and demonstrate
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Daredevil Jul 31, 2022 10:15am
We are Pakistani. But we have forgotten that. People from Sindh are Sindhis, and vice versa people from all the other provinces are known by their Province. But not as Pakistanis. That newly created anthem would be a great reminder for all of us that we are a Nation. Thanks to all the champs taking part in this anthem. Love you all.
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Khan Jul 31, 2022 11:02am
Long live Pakistan dependence day . We are and will be the dumpster of the world and we are ready to take more garbbage from the world powers. Long live the Elite and corrupt mafia.
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Real Jul 31, 2022 01:33pm
Failed state even after 75 years
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True Jul 31, 2022 01:41pm
I remember a famous dialogue of an Epic movie, 'Gladiator'. upon responding to the concern of a senator on the Olympiad games announced by the new king in such critical situation of the rule, another Senator who is ordered to arrange and manage the said Olympiad responds " This is what the mob wants". VERY DEEP indeed.
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Brenton Jul 31, 2022 01:46pm
Great web website! It looks extremely professional! Sustain the great work! link
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