The Best Pakistani Songs of All Time

Tracking music from 1947 to 2020.

Pakistani music is ever changing; it shapeshifts and incorporates a variety of local and international composition, lyrical and instrumental changes as time goes by. The genres of Sufi Ghazal, Pakistani Pop, Sufi Rock, and Pakistani classical and folk music have become much more dynamic than before.

Here are my top 10 favorite songs of all time, in descending order:

10. Jiya Dhadak by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan (2005)

Jiya Dhadak was released in 2005 as part of the Indian film, Kalyug. It was one of the first international projects for the budding Qawwali maestro Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, and marked his entry into commercial pop music. A deep, soulful song with rich lyrics, it embodies the vocal range and depth of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, who sings the song with finesse.

9. Tere Bin by Atif Aslam (2006)

Tere Bin was released in 2006 as part of the Indian film Bas Ek Pal. It marked Atif Aslam’s breakthrough in international cinema, and was one of the first crossover songs to gain such a large following in both countries. The rich vocals of Aslam are exemplified in this song, which speaks of the loss of a loved one. Atif Aslam – typically singing songs of pop rock – captures the heart with a rhythm and blues track.

8. Alif Allah by Arif Lohar and Meesha Shafi (2010)

Alif Allah’s rendition sung in duet form by Punjabi Sufi maestro Arif Lohar, and a then rising Meesha Shafi embodied the historical and modern of Pakistan in a fantastic retelling of Sufi Punjabi lyrics. The use of instrumental backing with the very diverse vocal ranges of Shafi and Lohar make this song an iconic duet, which first brought Coke Studio to national fame.

7. O Re Piya by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan (2008)

A silent, soulful rendition of rhythm and blues Sufi music, carried by rich vocals and minimal instrument use make this an iconic track, released in 2008 in the Indian film Aaja Nachle. It is a classic example of the vocal power of Qawwali maestros, which when used to sing rhythm and blues, creates powerful music.

6. Dil Dil Pakistan by Vital Signs (1987)

An iconic, fun, and light pop song which celebrates the best of Pakistan, Dil Dil Pakistan was released by one of Pakistan’s most iconic rock bands, Vital Signs in 1987. Sung by the late Junaid Jamshed, it merged patriotism with rebellion, and was a symbol of the changing times.

5. Aap Jaisa Koi by Nazia Hassan (1979)

A brilliant, fun and easygoing pop song sung by the late Nazia Hassan, it was released in the 1979 Indian film titled Abdullah. It has since become an icon, remixed, mashed up, and covered by a number of artists, and remains a classic from the renowned vocalist and the first Queen of Pakistani pop.

4. Allah Hoo by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan (1988)

Allah Hoo, a religious Sufi ghazal track turned commercial pop record, was one of the most iconic Sufi ghazals of all time, sung by the maestro Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Soulful, religious, emotional and effervescent, it hits one like a tidal wave and the crescendo of vocals and backing music make it one of the greatest Pakistani songs of all time.

3. Disco Deewane by Nazia Hassan and Zoheb Hassan (1981)

Disco Deewane, sung by Nazia Hassan and her brother Zoheb, is the best selling Asian pop record till date. It loud, in your face and has a danceable beat which is fun, easygoing and still carries vocals which are sharply pitched, but can vary from deep to high in a matter of seconds. A historical track.

2. Hum Dekhenge by Iqbal Bano (1979)

Hum Dekhenge – a poem, a song, an embodiment of an era. A poem by Faiz Ahmed Faiz, which was made popular through the rich vocals of Iqbal Bano and melodious ghazals. I find this to be more than a song. It is an experience to be had, as one finds oneself slowly floating when listening to this song.

1. Ae Jahan Ab Hai Manzil Kahan by Ahmed Rushdi (1968)

Sung by the iconic Ahmed Rushdi for the 1968 Pakistani film Chand Aur Chandni, the song is an embodiment of the heart wrenching lyrics, and shows the light yet soulful vocal range characteristic to Rushdi in a track which questions the world about one’s destination in life after a heartbreak.