Qaumi Tarana

PAKISTAN ZINDABAD

The Qaumi Tarana (Urdu: قومى ترانہ) ("National Anthem") is the national anthem of Pakistan. The music of the anthem was composed by Ahmed Ghulamali Chagla, with lyrics written by Abu-Al-Asar Hafeez Jullandhuri. It was officially adopted in 1954 although the music had been composed in 1950 and had been used on several occasions, to replace the original anthem by Jagannath Azad. The lyrics speak of a "Sacred Land" referring to Pakistan and a "Flag of the Crescent and Star" referring to the national flag. The national anthem is played during any event involving the hoisting of the flag, for example Pakistan Day (March 23) and Independence Day (August 14).

Music

The music of Pakistan is probably one of the most diverse selection of music in the whole world within one country; being at the crossroads of Central Asia, Iran, the Middle East and India. Pakistan has developed a multitude of different types of music and sounds. Major influences of Pakistani music are Arabic, English, Indian, Persian and Portuguese. Pakistani genres like sufi rock and bhangra have become popular throughout the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and around the world. With the multiple influences, Pakistani music has emerged as a "fusion" of many other types of sounds together to form a distinctly Pakistani sound. Pakistani musicians now sell records not only in Pakistan but in many countries around the world. Although there are plenty of genres of Pakistani music, it can be divided under two main headings. Traditional and East meets West.