LAHORE: Renowned film musician Zulfiqar Attre passed away in Lahore due to a cardiac arrest. He was 71.

According to Attre’s son Meesum his father had developed chest infection, he was taken to Punjab Institute of Cardiology as he was feeling difficulty in breathing where doctors gave him an injection and said that he would be fine. When he came home at night, his condition suddenly deteriorated and he was rushed to a private hospital in Iqbal Town where he was pronounced dead.

Zulfiqar Attre is survived by a widow, five daughters and two sons.

Qul for the deceased will be held on Sunday (tomorrow) between Asr and Meghrib prayers at 304 Khyber Block, Iqbal Town.

One of the most celebrated music directors from Pakistan film industry, Zulfiqar Attre composed music for some 300 films during his illustrious career. He was a student of Rasheed Attre. He composed his first song for the film Wohti Da Sawal Ae in 1981.

He was considered an institution within himself who composed memorable songs and ghazals for a number of films such as Neyyat-e-Shauq Bhar Nah Jaey Kahin, Meray Dil Dey Shishay Wich Sajna Payee Saj Di Aee Tasveer Teri, Karan Mein Nazara Teri Tasveer Da and Ja Way Ja Jhoothya and many others. He was busy composing music for a film, Welcome, but it could not be completed. He also composed Ahmed Faraz’s ghazal Suna Hai Loag Ussay Ankh Bhar Kay Dekhtay Hain.

Last year, Zulfiqar Attre was awarded the Pride of Performance for his services in the field of music. His death has left a considerable void in the film music industry of Pakistan. He was laid to rest in Ghausia Colony graveyard near Wahdat Road.

The Lahore Arts Council, Punjab Institute of Language, Art and Culture (Pilac) and Punjab Arts Council have expressed grief and sorrow on his death.

Published in Dawn, January 18th, 2025