Yaum-e-Azaadi or Independence Day in Pakistan is observed annually on 14 August. It is a national holiday in the country; it celebrates the day when Pakistan gained independence from the British Raj and parted from India as a sovereign nation in 1947.
Maybe you celebrated by watching the flag hoisting in Islamabad, or listening to the national anthem on TV. Maybe you went to a ceremony, or parade, or carnival. Or maybe, like me, you listened to some patriotic songs about Pakistan.
Given that August 14 is over *sigh*, here is a playlist that you can listen to when you want to when you want to relive it or (if you're an overseas Pakistani) when you're feeling homesick!
1. Qaumi Taranah (National Anthem)
The music was composed by Ahmad G. Chagla in 1949, preceding the lyrics, which were written by Hafeez Jullundhri in 1952.
Here's the rock rendition for good measure.
2. "Jeevay Jeevay Pakistan" by Shahnaz Begum
This was written by Jamiluddin Aali, with music by Sohail Rana for Pakistan Television
3. "Dil Dil Pakistan" by Vital Signs (covered by Mizraab)
4. "Sindhi Hum, Balochi Hum, Punjabi Hum, Pathan Hum" by Various Artists
5. "Hai Koi Hum Jaisa" by Strings
6. "Mera Paigham Pakistan" by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
7. "Sohni Dharti Allah Rakhhay Qadam Qadam Abaad Tujhe" by Habib Wali Mohammad feat. Shahnaz Begum and Mehdi Hassan.
This was written by Jamiluddin Aali, with music by Sohail Rana for Pakistan Television.
Here's the coke studio version too, because wow.
8. "Mein Tou Dekhoonga" by Strings
9. "Jazba Junoon" by Junoon
10. "Ab Khud Kuch Karna Paray Ga" by Strings feat. Atif Aslam
11. "Hum Zinda Qaum Hain" by Various Artists
12. "Hum Dekhain Gay" by Iqbal Bano
This was sang in Lahore against a military regime, and was "written by famous poet Faiz [Ahmad Faiz]"
