The first commemorative postage stamps of the country, released in July 1948, also gave 15 August 19...
The first commemorative postage stamps of the country, released in July 1948, also gave 15 August 1947 as the independence day, however in subsequent years 14 August was adopted as the independence day. The night of 14–15 August 1947 coincided with 27 Ramadan 1366 of the Islamic calendar, which Muslims regard as a sacred night.Independence Day (یومِ آزادی; Yāum-e-Āzādi), observed annually on 14 August, is a national holiday in Pakistan. It commemorates the day when Pakistan achieved independence and was declared a sovereign state following the end of the British Raj in 1947. August is here and it’s the season to blast patriotic songs on full volume. Pakistanis all around the world celebrate August 14, as the day Pakistan was born in 1947 after gaining freedom from the British. I love “Milli Naghme” (Patriotic national songs) and decided to roundup 14 of my absolute favorite songs for August 14. What better way to get in the spirit of Azaadi (freedom)!1. JEWAY JEWAY PAKISTAN – SHEHNAZ BEGUMThis classic by Shahnaz Begum is the ultimate love letter to Pakistan with prayers, nostalgia and devotion. Like all love stories this one is also touched by tragedy, sung by an artist from East Pakistan that later became Bangladesh.Favourite line: “Sunnanein wale sune to un ko eik he dhun lehraye, Pakistan, Pakistan, Pakistan, Pakistan, Jewe Pakistan”.2. MERA PEYGHAM PAKISTAN – NUSRAT FATEH ALI KHANNusrat Fateh Ali Khan has done a lot for Pakistan to be proud of and this tribute by the maestro himself to the homeland is truly a showcase of the best of Pakistan.Favourite line: “mohabbat aman hai, aur is ka hai peyghaam Pakistan”.3. WATAN KE MITI GAWAH REHNA – NAYYARA NOORNayyara Noor makes this song timeless and spreads optimism in her particular simple, elegant and sweet style. A true classic.4. SOHNI DHARTI – SHEHNAZ BEGUMThis song by the amazing Shahnaz Begum is a beautiful prayer for a country that has survived despite all odds and numerous tragedies.5. DIL DIL PAKISTAN – VITAL SIGNS This video of a boy band singing around beautiful Islamabad took everyone by surprise and made the Vital Signs household names overnight.6. YE WATAN TUMHARA HAI – MEHDI HASANThis song is a beautiful legacy of Mehdi Hasan and is so popular that various covers and videos have been done over the years. They are all my favourite. I feel all versions are a tribute to the essence of the song itself which is to pass on the love of Pakistan.7. HAMARA PARCHAM- NAHEED AKHARWhen Naheed Akhtar sings, you have to take notice. Absolutely love her poise, grace, energy and strong voice.8. AYE WATAN PYARAY WATAN – USTAAD AMANAT ALI KHANThis classic by Ustaad Amanat Ali Khan always brings tears to my eyes as he serenades our beloved homeland with all his heart and soul. Had to be on my list of songs for August 14.9. HAI JAZBA JUNOON – JUNOONJunoon introduced Sufi Rock, made Iqbal’s verses accessible for the youth and gave us one of the best anthems of the 90s at the 1996 Cricket World Cup.10. JUG JUG JEWAY MERE PYARA WATAN- SABIHA KHANUMLove this original black and white version in Sabiha Khanum’s sweet voice. Had to be on my list for songs for August 14!11. MEIN BHI PAKISTAN HON – SHEHKIYou have to admire Shehki’s vocal skills and the ability to dance standing in one spot for the entire song.12. HUM ZINDA QOM HAIN – NUMEROUS ARTISTSAnother Benjamin Sisters’ collaboration with a few other artists, this song wins with its enthusiasm (and 80s kamiz shalwar fashion). Definitely on my for favorite songs for August 14!13. MERE DES MEIN HAR PAL CHAON – ARIF LOHAR, ARIFA SIDDIQUE AND RUSTAM FATEH ALIOne of the first few fusion experiments, this song brings together Pakistani folk, pop and classical music. Arif Lohar’s energy as always in infectious.14. KHAYAL RAKHNA – ALAMGIR AND BENJAMIN SISTERSThis amazing combination of the Benjamin Sisters and Alamgir brought all 80s children rushing to the TV to watch the song back in the day.