The 73nd birth anniversary of famous Pakistani traditional qawwal Aziz Mian is being observed today.

Born as Abdul Aziz in Delhi in 1942, Aziz Mian remains to this day one of the most popular qawwals of South Asia.

He began learning the art of qawwali at the age of 10 under the tutelage of Ustad Abdul Wahid Khan. He moreover received 16 years of training at the Data Ganj Baksh School of Lahore, obtaining a degree in Urdu literature from the University of Punjab.

He was the only prominent qawwal to write his own lyrics; though, like others, he also performed lyrics written by other song-writers. In addition to his own poetry, Aziz Mian performed poetry by Allama Iqbal, and a number of contemporary Urdu poets.

He is also credited with performing the longest commercially released qawwali, hashr ke roz yeh poochhoonga, which runs to slightly over 115 minutes.

He was also a contemporary of the Sabri brothers.

In 1989, the government of Pakistan awarded him with the Pride of Performance medal.

Aziz Mian died on Dec 6 in the year 2000 from complications following hepatitis. He was laid to rest in Multan.

Opinion

Editorial

Business concerns
Updated 26 Apr, 2024

Business concerns

There is no doubt that these issues are impeding a positive business clime, which is required to boost private investment and economic growth.
Musical chairs
26 Apr, 2024

Musical chairs

THE petitioners are quite helpless. Yet again, they are being expected to wait while the bench supposed to hear...
Global arms race
26 Apr, 2024

Global arms race

THE figure is staggering. According to the annual report of Sweden-based think tank Stockholm International Peace...
Digital growth
Updated 25 Apr, 2024

Digital growth

Democratising digital development will catalyse a rapid, if not immediate, improvement in human development indicators for the underserved segments of the Pakistani citizenry.
Nikah rights
25 Apr, 2024

Nikah rights

THE Supreme Court recently delivered a judgement championing the rights of women within a marriage. The ruling...
Campus crackdowns
25 Apr, 2024

Campus crackdowns

WHILE most Western governments have either been gladly facilitating Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza, or meekly...