THIS is with reference to the tragic death of Junaid Jamshed in the air crash on Wednesday. Junaid Jamshed lived his life to its fullest.

He achieved amazing success and excelled in everything he did. As a pop star, he was number one.

It is now 30 since Dil Dil Pakistan was released, but it still remains the most popular national song after the national anthem. Pop stars have come and gone but no one has been able to produce a Dil Dil Pakistan.

When Junaid turned to religion, he achieved a status amongst orthodox Muslims which was simply unheard of . He was the best known Tablighi of Pakistan after Maulana Tariq Jameel. Tariq Jameel was able to become a spiritual icon only after spending three decades in Tabligh. Junaid was able to become a spiritual figure after spending only a few years in the service of God.

Pop singers have embraced Islam in the past but no one has enjoyed mass adulation as did Junaid.

There is a vast social divide between Pakistan’s religious right and English-speaking educated elites. Yet Junaid was able to bridge this divide effortlessly. Children of elite families would throng to listen to his ‘dars’ (lectures).

Finally, when Junaid entered the field of business and textile desiging, he was able to establish a huge multi-billion international brand within a very short time despite despite having no business background. His brand was world-famous.

May Allah bless his soul and grant him a plush place in heaven, Ameen!

Junaid you will be missed!

Osama Mustafa
Karachi

(2)

THE whole country was left in a state of shock and horror after the PIA plane crashed. According to a newspaper report, the ATR-42 aircraft crashed owing to engine failure.

This is not the first tragedy that the PIA plane has crashed. In the 1965 tragedy 124 people were killed while the plane was trying to land at Cairo airport .

Besides, a number of PIA planes have crashed over the years killing more than 915 people.

Wednesday’s crash claimed 42 lives, including that of Junaid Jamshed.

I request the authorities concerned to take care of the people and adopt all safety measures before allowing the plane to take off.

Sana Khan
Kech

(3)

THE PIA plane crash near the Havelian is a national tragedy. The ill-fated plane crash claimed the lives of 47 passengers on board, including those of Junaid Jamshed and his wife.

May God give the families of the deceased courage and patience to bear the loss. The government must ground such planes as have served their time.

Mannan Samad
Turbat

(4)

THE government has been frequently claiming that it has improved PIA’s standard. This tall claim was dashed to the ground on Wednesday when negligence came to light.

Fahad Dharejo
Hyderabad

(5)

The mesmerising personality of Junaid Jamshed is no more with us. Along with him, other 46 innocent people lost their lives in a horrifying plane crash.

The news has saddened the whole nation. Junaid’s dignified voice both in the recitation of Naats and in the singing of national songs will always be remembered.

Fatima Shujat
Lahore

(6)

IT is a sad day for us. My condolences to all friends and family of everyone onboard flight PK-661 which crashed in the mountains. It is such a tragedy we all will never forget.

We lost Junaid Jamshed who was among the passengers. He will always be remembered for the good he has done by spreading true meanings of Islam not only in Pakistan but abroad.

We should all pray for those who died and for their families and friends. May God give them the patience to bear the loss.

Name withheld on request
Karachi

Published in Dawn, December 9th, 2016