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PESHAWAR, July 25: Acclaimed Pashto singer Bacha Zareen Jan died after protracted illness here on Wednesday. She was 70.

Born in 1942, at Par Hoti area of Mardan, she became famous after performing on radio, TV and stage. Also recipient of Tamgha-i-Imtiaz, the ghazal maestro was widely known by Pakhtuns everywhere in the world.

She sang some memorable numbers during her illustrious career. In early 1970s, she had become a household name in the province and Federally Administered Areas due to her melodious voice. Music enthusiasts liked her simple style.

Zareen Jan started singing songs for radio at the age of seven. She sang Pashto, Hindko, Punjabi, Seraiki, Urdu and Persian songs. She was fondly called Bibi Gul by her fans. Her elder sister trained her in the art of singing while famed musicians of the time played significant role in her grooming.

Zareen Jan, who had also performed from All India Radio, Delhi, won hearts and minds of the people when she sang patriotic songs to boost the morale of army in 1965 war against India. She was widely respected for promotion of Pashto.

The last few years were very difficult for the singer due to old age and economic problems. She always looked towards government for financial assistance. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government had provided some financial assistance to her a few months ago.

Her melodious voice had given her a unique place among the contemporary crooners due to which she was considered a pioneer of female singing in Pashto.

Local showbiz community has announced to mourn the death of the great singer. In a statement, president of Artists Welfare Association Javed Babar said that she was the most courageous women, who promoted Pashto music in very early days. She would be remembered for long for her services, he added.