Pakistani singers break Internet with national song

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As Pakistan marks its 70th Independence Day, over a dozen Pakistani artists have teamed up for a rendition of what are considered as iconic national songs. The video has taken the Internet by storm, apparently because all the singers are Christians – a religious minority in Pakistan.

The director of the music video Akash Sonu told CGTN that a total of 13 vocalists from different cities came together to pay tribute to the motherland.

Screenshot of Arif Bhatti (left) and Javed Akhter performing in the music video.

Wild popularity

The mash-up video, uploaded online some three weeks ago, was widely shared, and on some social media platforms, it has so far been viewed over two million times.

The public's reaction has taken the singers by surprise, with one of them telling CGTN it was unbelievable.

“We have received an incredible response from Pakistan and across the world,” said Haris Bazmi.

“This national song is an expression of our love for Pakistan on the occasion of the 70th Independence Day,” he said.

Screenshot of Haris Bazmi singing in the music video.

“Luckily, the song has gone viral on social media platforms, which encouraged the artists,” said Suno.

National fame

The singers have risen to national fame as they drew the attention of people on social media who praised their efforts, and generated media attention in a country that is often gripped by controversies and tragic news.

State broadcaster Pakistan Television (PTV) plans to air the tribute on the eve of Independence Day, local media quoted the producers as saying.

Speaking of the popularity of the music compilation, Zahid Hussain Khan, a journalist associated with Pakistan's Samaa TV told CGTN that it is out of the ordinary effort.

“It doesn’t often happen that something positive about the country goes viral, netizens are simply loving it,” he told CGTN.

Screenshot of Anita Samuel singing solo in the music video.

It will also help promote inter-religious harmony in the country, stated Khan.

Beating the giant

The song had drawn comparison to a similar production from Coke Studio Pakistan, which features live studio-recorded music performances by various artists, with many people saying the community tribute is far better than the high-end studio creation, said Khan.

Entertainment journalist Muhammad Rehan Ahmad told CGTN that although all the singers do not have national recognition, they performed very well.

Despite an average production quality, the video has beaten a similar version of a big brand that featured well-known singers, he said.

Many netizens have also termed it as the best tribute ever and noted that it was better than the one produced by Coke Studio.

Screenshot of Rosemary Mushtaq in the video with Pakistan's national flag.

Some have praised the song saying it projects the diversity of Pakistan. A Facebook user named Shiraz Naqvi said he had seen people from different religions doing something good for the country, which is a sign of diversity.

Another user, Zahid Rasheed, said it is “a big slap on (the face of) International power mongers, who try creating a division between us.”

National Day

The video also refers to a famous quote from the August 11, 1947 speech of the country's founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah, in which he promised to protect religious minorities.

In his speech he said, “You are free, you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or any other place of worship in this State of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion or caste or creed — that has nothing to do with the business of the State."

Screenshot of Sana Yousaf performing in the music video.

Pakistan observes National Minorities' Day on August 11 to acknowledge the services and contributions of minority communities in the progress and development of the country.

Christians account for approximately 1.6 percent of the country's population of roughly 200 million.