The changing rhythms of patriotism

From the Dawn.com archives

In the spirit if celebrating Independence Day, Dawn.com decided to look into the history of patriotic music in Pakistan and how it’s changed over the years.

Patriotic songs have always held a special place in the heart of Pakistanis. From songs such as ‘Ai Watan’ to “Dil Dil Pakistan’, these songs have almost always reflected the zeitgeist of the country.

We spoke to some of the people who made this music. Here’s what they had to say.

– Video by Zehra Naqvi/Dawn.com , Salman Haqqi /Dawn.com and Kurt Menezes/Dawn.com

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IbDi

Aug 15, 2012 03:10pm

'Umeed-e-Sehar' by Laal is by far the best song which came up in last few years; but that too is more about society's spirit.

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anees

Aug 16, 2012 09:26am

Excellent presentation ! However, if it is divided into two equal parts, the 1st part creates an indescribable feeling and emotion. The 2nd part is simply rubbish. Haroon and others like him don't ( and CAN NOT ) do it like Ustad Amanat Ali Khan etc. Jumping like jumping jacks gives you no inner feelings. Their songs are business-cum-popularity oriented rather than patriotism.

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s7786

Aug 16, 2012 12:55pm

Pakistan is ion the declinig state. It is matter of shame for us when people start leaving and requesting assylum in other countries when they do not feel safe in their own country. Muallah won Islam and Pakistan Lost. So sad, so sad so sad.

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True Pakistani

Aug 15, 2012 03:38pm

- 'INDEPENDENCE'? independence from what? law and order, good education and health care system with real schools and clinics, no thieving, gang-rapes and random killing . . . in short no BUDMASHI of any kind.

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Imran

Aug 15, 2012 04:37pm

always read Sub-e-Azadi by Faiz on 14th.... chalay chalo kay woh manzil abhi nahi aAiee

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AAJ

Aug 15, 2012 05:14pm

Well done,good glimpse of our journey as a nation.One advice whenever you show map of Pakistan you should always include Kashmir (Indian occuppied region) as in Pakistan's map you have not done such at the start of your presentation.Not doing so on this forum (DAWN) does not serve national interest.

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Muhib

Aug 15, 2012 06:01pm

Why does the map in the beginning not include Kashmir? I am starting to see this all over the internet now but to see it from our own newspaper is a shame! Has Pakistan changed its stand on Kashmir?

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Mr.T

Aug 15, 2012 07:24pm

Najam Sheraz sung lots of very patriot songs too...

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Ammar

Aug 16, 2012 03:34am

Where is aloo Aloo Unday ?????????

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Amna malik

Aug 16, 2012 04:11am

the message of this video is very clear,now a shallow patriotism wont work ,and there is no room for patriotism in present circumstances,the only thing that exists and lasts is a will of people to strive for betterment.As long as such a will is there,there shall be a nation to join the others great ones.

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Nurse, MA

Aug 16, 2012 05:17pm

Anwar uncle, please don't say that "we are leaving, this country is yours". I can't stop crying over this....so please don't ever say that. Living abroad, it is difficult to express feelings and patriotism but believe me every effort to make this country a better place start from our elders, our seniors, our heros, our soldiers. Anwar uncle we love you very much, May Allah bless you with good health and happiness.

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anees

Aug 17, 2012 08:48am

AAloos are in the fields and Anday are not available because hens have refused to lay them.

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MBucketofUSA

Aug 17, 2012 11:46pm

More than half century ago the Indian civilization was divided finally into realm of Islam and non-Islam at the behest of castist Hindu society, Arab imperialism and British imperialism. It is sad even now the Indian civilization is bruising with corruption and ridiculius infighting due to religious differences and intolerence.

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Hassan

Aug 18, 2012 02:13am

NICE!

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