Patriotism is that spirit which unleashes a passionate sense of duty, care, love and dedication to the country. It fosters resilience against hardship and adversity. It shapes our identity, leading to a collective sense of belonging with common and shared objectives.
Patriotic songs are musical scores that stir feelings of love, loyalty and pride in one’s country. These could be national anthems and other types of songs that impart similar sentiments to listeners. The songs are usually based upon history, culture and the events of the time. The love for the homeland is extolled.
The lyrics can relate to historical struggles against oppression. The tribute to our Founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, penned by poet and lyricist Fayyaz Hashmi and sung by Munnawar Sultana, “Aye Quaid-i-Azam tera Ihsan, tera ihsan,” is an expression of gratitude and indebtedness to Mr Jinnah for founding, with resolute will, an independent Muslim nation carved out of the subcontinent. It is a case in point.
National anthems are symbols of national pride. Across all countries, when national anthems are played, people rise in reverence, respect, honour and love for their country. Our national anthem does the same. It is both a passionate prayer and a heartfelt expression of gratitude for the independence achieved, and finally closes with supplications to the Almighty to safeguard the country under His protection. Our anthem was selected from over 700 entries and was finalised eight years after independence. The anthem was written by Hafeez Jullundhri Sahib and the musical score was by A G Chagla.
Some patriotic songs relate to the armed forces. In terms of their lyrics, they are both a form of encouragement to those who defend our borders and an expression of gratitude to those who embrace “martyrdom” in defence of the motherland.
During the 1965 war with India, several patriotic songs were released. Those that stood out for igniting passion and hope were the songs sung by Naseem Begum, Noor Jehan, Mehdi Hassan and Masood Rana.
“Aye rahe Haq ke shaheedo,” penned by Musheer Kazmi and sung by the versatile Naseem Begum, can melt a heart even today. Released at the peak of the 1965 war with India, the song offered solace, comfort and an appreciation of the spirit of sacrifice for the country. The most beautiful tribute to the martyrs of the Motherland, “Aye watan ke sajeelo jawano” by Noor Jehan ruled the airwaves till much after the 1965 war. The lyrics were written by the renowned Pakistani poet and writer Jamiludin Aali. Around the same time, Masood Rana sang in his unique style, “Jaag utha hai sara watan, Saathio...” The lyrics were by Himayat Ali Shair. The ’65 war also brought the spirit of nationhood, and Mehdi Hassan’s soulful rendition of lyrics penned by Masroor Anwar infused new life into the desire to sacrifice one’s life in the line of duty for the country. The song was, “Apni jaan nazar karon, apni wafa pesh karon.”
During the bleak political environment of 1970-71, when our Eastern wing broke away from the Federation, the song “Sohni dharti Allah rakhe” offered hope and became an elixir of promise. The surrender in Dhaka had happened. It gave the younger generation of the time hope and the promise of a bright future: “Anne wali naslein teri Azmat ke gunn gayein.” This song would be telecast multiple times during the December 1971 war with India. It was so soothing. Shahnaz Begum, the singer, herself a young Bengali, rendered it with great patriotic passion. The musical score was by Sohail Rana and the lyrics were written by Masroor Anwar. Shahnaz Begum and Sohail Rana backed it up with gems like “Jeevay-Jeevay Pakistan,” penned by Jamiluddin Aali, and the motivating number, “Mauj barrahe ya andhi aye, diya jalaye rakhna hai...” This song resonated with Z A Bhutto’s declaration, “We will build a new Pakistan.” Shahnaz Begum’s songs were the most popular at that time. Even today these are aired on state TV on national occasions, and are also used in many videos made on such occasions.
If Noor Jehan and Naseem Begum were the inspirational singers during the 1965 conflict, it was Shahnaz Begum who stood out in instilling national fervour, with passionate hope for a brighter future, during the most depressing period of our history.
Again, during the early seventies, when Bhutto was trying to steer the depressed nation out of its painful defeat in 1971, Habib Wali Muhammad, in his unique voice and style, produced such an emotional number as “Aye Nigar e watan, tu salamat aahe,” and Amanat Ali Khan came up with the scintillating “Chand Meri Zameen, Phool mera watan.”
A personal all-time favourite, rendered in the soulful voice of Ustad Amanat Ali, the lyrics of which were written by Prof Karam Hydri, is the timeless “Aye Watan Pyare Watan, Pak Watan.” ts classic melody was composed by Khalil Ahmed.
The more recent patriotic and motivating songs are “Dil, Dil, Pakistan” by Junaid Jamshed and Atif Aslam’s tribute to martyrs, “Kabhi percham mein lipte hain...”
The tradition of patriotic music continues to find expression in contemporary times as well. Yalghar Hai, released in May 2025 and written and performed by Hussnain Ali Paracha, emerged as a victory anthem celebrating national resilience and resolve after the recent Indo Pak war in 2025. A few months later, Allah Hu, rendered in the powerful and soulful voice of Sahir Ali Bagga for Defence and Martyrs Day in September 2025, struck a more reflective chord as a tribute to those who laid down their lives in defence of the motherland. Different in mood yet united in spirit, these songs remind us that while generations and musical styles may change, the emotions of patriotism, sacrifice and remembrance continue to find their way into song.
When songs became the voice of a nation: Their melodies filled the airwaves in times of war, uncertainty, hope and renewal. Decades later, these unforgettable voices remain woven into Pakistan’s collective memory.
—The writer is a freelance contributor
