The national anthem of Pakistan, The “Qaumī Tarānāh” (pronounced [ˈqɔːmiː təˈɾaːnə], lit. ’ “National Anthem”‘), also known as “Pāk Sarzamīn” (pronounced [ˈpɑːk ˈsəɾzəmiːn], lit. ’Thy Sacred Land’), is the national anthem of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. It was written by Hafeez Jalandhari in 1952 and the music was produced by Ahmad G. Chagla in 1949, preceding the lyrics. It was officially adopted as Pakistan’s national anthem in August 1954.
Here is the original version of Pakistan’s National Anthem (“Qaumī Tarānāh“)
Music Composition
The “Qaumī Tarānah” is a melodious and harmonious rendering of a three-stanza composition with a tune based on Eastern music but arranged in such a manner that it can be easily played by foreign bands.
The music, composed by the Pakistani musician and composer, Ahmad G. Chagla in 1949, reflects his background in both Eastern and Western music. Typically twenty-one musical instruments and thirty-eight different tones are used to play the “Qaumi Tarana”, the duration of which is usually around 80 seconds.
Latest Innovations with the Music
Many music composers have innovated the music of the National anthem. Here are some of the efforts reflected underneath.
Brief History of the National Anthem of Pakistan
- 1947 – The new state of Pakistan came into being on 14 August.
- 1949 – Music for the “Qaumī Tarānah” is composed by the Pakistani musical composer, Ahmad G. Chagla (running time: 80 seconds).
- 1950 – anthem, without lyrics, was performed for the first time for a foreign head of state on the state visit of the Shah of Iran to Pakistan in Karachi on 1 March 1950 by a Pakistan Navy band.
- 1952 – Verses written by the Pakistani poet, Hafeez Jullundhri, are selected from amongst 723 entries.
- 1954 – Officially adopted as the national anthem and broadcast for the first time on Radio Pakistan on 13 August
- 1955 – Sung by 11 famous Pakistani singers including Ahmad Rushdi, Shamim Bano, Kokab Jehan, Rasheeda Begum, Najam Ara, Naseema Shaheen, Zwar Hussain, Akhtar Abbas, Ghulam Dastgir, Anwar Zaheer, Akhtar Wassi
- 1996 – Rendered in electric guitar for the first time by Pakistani rock band Junoon in their album Inqilaab
- 2009 – Rendered as an acoustic instrumental for the first time by Pakistani musician Jehangir Aziz Hayat
- 2011 – On 14 August, 5,857 people gathered in a stadium in Karachi to sing the “Qaumī Tarānah” and set a new world record for most people gathered to sing a national anthem simultaneously.
- 2012 – On 20 October, 70,000 people gathered in a stadium in Lahore to sing the Qaumee Taraanah and set a new world record for most people gathered to sing a national anthem simultaneously, which was certified by Guinness World Records.
- 2017 – Coke Studio released a collaborative rendition of “Qaumī Tarānah” on 4 August by the featured artists, to celebrate the 70 years of Pakistan in the tenth season.
Here is the latest Qaumi Tarana recorded in 2022.
The national anthem of Pakistan is called “Qaumi Tarana” in Urdu, which translates to “National Anthem” in English.
The reason the national anthem of Pakistan is predominantly in Persian is that at the time of its creation, Persian was considered a prestigious and influential language in the region, reflecting cultural and historical connections. Persian was often used in literature, poetry, and official and scholarly communications in South Asia, influencing the linguistic choice for the anthem.
The national anthem of Pakistan, “Qaumi Tarana” was written by Hafeez Jullundhri in 1952 and its music was composed by Ahmad G. Chagla in 1949, before the lyrics were written. Interestingly, Pakistan did have an earlier anthem, known as “Pakistan Zindabad, Azadi Paendabad,” written by Jagannath Azad at the request of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, to be used temporarily until a permanent anthem was created. However, after the creation of “Qaumi Tarana,” it was adopted as the official national anthem in 1954.
1. What is the name of the national anthem of Pakistan?
The national anthem of Pakistan is known as “Qaumi Tarana” in Urdu. The term “Qaumi” translates to “National,” and “Tarana” means “Anthem” in English. This anthem was officially adopted by the country in 1954 and is a symbol of pride and national unity for the people of Pakistan.
2. Why is the national anthem of Pakistan in Persian?
The choice of Persian for Pakistan’s national anthem, “Qaumi Tarana,” stems from the historical and cultural significance of Persian in the region. During the time of the anthem’s composition and adoption, Persian was considered a language of literary, scholarly, and cultural prestige in South Asia. Persian language and literature had a profound influence on the region for centuries, reflecting the area’s historical connections to Persian-speaking cultures. Moreover, Persian was used in various realms, including administration, literature, and scholarly works, making it a natural choice for expressing nationalistic and unifying sentiments in the anthem.
3. Who wrote the national anthem of Pakistan?
The “Qaumi Tarana” was penned by the renowned poet Hafeez Jullundhri in 1952. His lyrics were selected from among 723 submissions received by the government through a competition. Jullundhri’s words were chosen for their potent expression of national unity, identity, and the ideological foundation of Pakistan. The anthem’s lyrics, although brief, encapsulate the aspirations, values, and ethos of the Pakistani people.
4. Who wrote the national anthem of Pakistan?
Before the adoption of “Qaumi Tarana,” Pakistan used a different anthem immediately after its independence in 1947. This temporary anthem was “Pakistan Zindabad, Azadi Paendabad,” written by Jagannath Azad, a Hindu poet, at the personal request of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. The request to Azad was a gesture aimed at fostering a spirit of unity and inclusivity in the newly independent state. However, this anthem was later replaced by “Qaumi Tarana,” written by Hafeez Jullundhri, which was officially adopted in 1954 and remains Pakistan’s national anthem to this day.
