Every country’s national anthem carries the identity, emotions and memories of its people. Whenever an anthem plays, citizens instinctively stand straight not only because it is a national duty, but because those few lines represent unity, culture and the long journey of a nation. Pakistan’s national anthem, too, has a deep emotional value. Yet few people realize that the man who wrote its stirring words was actually born in present-day India. Despite the political borders drawn at the time of independence, history continues to bind India and Pakistan in unexpected ways.
Who Wrote Pakistan’s National Anthem?
The lyrics of Pakistan’s national anthem were written by Hafeez Jalandhari, a well-known poet in Pakistani literary circles. Born in 1900 in Jalandhar a city that now lies in the Indian state of Punjab his early life and childhood were shaped on Indian soil. After Pakistan’s formation, the country initially used only the musical tune of the anthem because suitable lyrics had not yet been chosen. It was finally in 1955 that Hafeez Jalandhari’s poem was selected and formally declared the national anthem. His contribution earned him one of Pakistan’s top civilian honours, the Hilal-e-Imtiaz.
The House in India Where the Anthem’s Writer Was Born
Hafeez Jalandhari’s ancestral home is located in Jalandhar, and though the political realities have changed over the decades, the house remains a reminder of a time when both countries shared common cultural spaces. Locals still recall stories passed down through generations about the poet’s family and their life in the neighbourhood. While the house is not officially marked as a heritage site, it continues to draw curiosity because of its connection to the creator of Pakistan’s national anthem. For many, it stands as a quiet symbol of the intertwined histories of India and Pakistan.
When Was the Anthem First Recorded?
Pakistan’s national anthem was first recorded on 13 August 1954 and aired on Radio Pakistan. The melody, composed earlier by Ahmed Ghulam Ali Chagla, had already gained popularity. The first recording featured around 10 to 11 singers, including familiar names of that time like Ahmed Rushdi, Naseema Shaheen and Rasheeda Begum. Recording technology was limited during that era, so most of the performance was captured in a single take, without the advanced tools we have today. Still, that version became the one generations of Pakistanis grew up hearing.
Why Pakistan Re-Recorded the Anthem in 2022
In 2022, almost 68 years later, Pakistan chose to record the anthem again. The country had become more diverse, with a broader blend of cultures, languages and music styles. To reflect that diversity, the new version brought together singers from a wide range of communities. Modern studio techniques were used, allowing separate recordings to be mixed together to achieve stronger, clearer sound quality
