About almost 70 years ago, one man, one dream, and a united front lead to an inception of a country budding with hope; a nation, named Pakistan. With a message of ‘Unity, Faith, and Discipline, the nation persevered through the worse that has been thrown at us, only to look towards the future with hopeful eyes.  To celebrate exactly this spirit, which makes us unique, Something Haute looks at the top 14 patriotic songs of the years gone by.
‘Hum Laey Hain’  – 1956
Penned as the first patriotic song of the nation in 1956, ‘Hum Laey Hain’ by Saleem Raza resonates with any citizen of the country who thinks about the countless sacrifices made to make Pakistan a reality. From its emotional message to its message to look towards the future, the song is enough to tug at your heartstrings!
‘Chand Roshan Chamakta’ – 1958
Perhaps one of the most golden yet least heard of patriotic songs, ‘Chand Roshan Chamakta’ by Munawar Sultana came out in 1958. Although different in its music and lyrics, it’s a classic in its own league.
‘Yeh Watan Tumhara Hai’ – 1962
Even if you haven’t heard any other patriotic song, there’s absolutely no chance that you have missed ‘Yeh Watan Tumhara Hai’ by maestro Mehdi Hassan! Whether it’s the lyrics or the vocals, the song is an ode to the son of the soil like no other.
‘Ae Watan Pyaray Watan’ – 1965
Written by Ustad Amanat Ali Khan, ‘Ae Watan Pyaray Watan’ is a treasure trove of patriotism that can’t be matched. Penned in the troublesome era of the Indo-Pak war of 1965, the song was enough to keep the nation united.
‘Jeevay Pakistan’ – 1972
In desperate need of a morale boost, ‘Jeevay Pakistan’ by Shahnaz Begum came at a time when Pakistan needed it the most. Penned by none other than late Jamiluddin Aali with a composition by Sohail Rana, the song resonates in the heart of every citizen.
‘Sohni Dharti’ – 1973
Sung yet again by Shahnaz Begum, ‘Sohni Dharti’ is still as famous as it was four decades ago thanks to a rendition by Coke Studio. Beautiful in all its melodies, the song is enough to make you stop wherever you are and hum along with it.
‘Is Parcham Ke Saey Talay’ – 1982
If there’s one song that reminds us of the bygone school days where flags swayed in the air and children sang patriotic songs together, it’s ‘Is Parcham Ke Saey Talay.’ A staple at any 14th August celebrations, the song is still the perfect tune to go down memory lane.
‘Dil Dil Pakistan’ – 1987
If there’s one song that everyone knows and can’t stop humming to, it has to be ‘Dil Dil Pakistan’ by the late Junaid Jamshed. In the truest sense, it is the epitome of being Pakistani. From the soul-stirring vocals to its tune, this Vital Signs’ chart-busting single can never be missed out on.
‘Jazba-e-Junoon’ – 1996
A track from Junoon’s most explosive album Inquilaab, ‘Jazba-e-Junoon’ was the first of many revolutionary style patriotic songs that made Pakistan stay strong in all of its dark times with a hint of ‘Jazba’! Sung by Ali Azmat, the song remains close to the heart of every Pakistani to this date.
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‘Mera Paigham Pakistan’ – 1996
Sung by none other than the eternal Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, ‘Mera Paigham Pakistan’ is enough to make one teary-eyed with its hearty lyrics and Khan’s soulful voice. If you don’t feel proud of Pakistan after listening to this song, nothing will entice you.
‘Junoon Say’ – 1997
A rock ballad instead of the traditional style of patriotic songs, ‘Junoon Say’ by Junoon was quite different from the others due to its high-pitched vocals and equally strong visuals. Narrating the harrowing side of partition, the song is a reminder of the struggles this nation faced to get where it is now.
‘Dil Na Lagay’ – 2000
One of Faakhir’s best creations and a fan favourite of the early 00’s, ‘Dil Na Lagay’ narrates the story of the love one has for their country, wherever they may be, and that alone was enough to make one fall in love with it.
‘Dil Se Meiney Dekha Pakistan’ – 2003
Written by Haroon Rashid, ‘Dil Se Meiney Dekha Pakistan’ is an homage to all those who left everything just to make one dream, Pakistan, a reality. Exquisite lyrics and an equally enthralling music video remind us that wherever we may be, we always have a responsibility towards this nation.
‘Main Tou Dekhoonga’ – 2011
In the ongoing troublesome decade for the nation, a few songs have managed to resonate in the hearts of the citizens and Strings’ ‘Main Tou Dekhoonga’ is definitely one of them! If the lyrics don’t flare up a fire inside you to make the country better, then the beautiful video and its concept surely will!
