The 25th death anniversary of legendary Seraiki folk singer Pathanay Khan was commemorated with deep reverence in his hometown on Sunday. A large gathering of admirers, poets, and local singers paid tribute to the maestro, whose soulful renditions of Sufi Kafis and Ghazals continue to inspire generations.

The event, held in Kot Addu, featured performances by local artists and Pathanay Khan’s own family, including his son Iqbal Pathanay Khan, who sang his father’s iconic compositions. The gathering resonated with the timeless verses of Khawaja Ghulam Farid, Hazrat Sachal Sarmast, and Shah Hussain, the Sufi poets whose poetry Pathanay Khan immortalized through his music.

Born in 1926 in Basti Tambu Wali, near Sanawan, Pathanay Khan’s real name was Ghulam Mohammad. His early life was marked by struggle, yet his passion for music remained unwavering. He inherited his love for Sufi poetry from his father and learned the art of singing from Baba Mir Khan. Despite hardships, including working as a firewood collector to support his mother, his devotion to Sufi music never wavered.

His rise to prominence began with his deep and enchanting voice, which captured the essence of mysticism and love. He became widely known for his renditions of “Jindarri lutti tain yaar sajan” and “Meda ishq vee toon, Meda yaar vee toon”, which continue to be cherished by Sufi music lovers. His mesmerizing performances earned him the Pride of Performance Award in 1979, one of Pakistan’s highest honors.

One of the most memorable moments of his career was in 1976, when Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto invited him for a private performance in Islamabad. Moved by his soul-stirring singing, Bhutto reportedly wept and offered to fulfill any wish the singer had. Pathanay Khan humbly requested, “Bhutto Sahib, take care of the poor.”

Pathanay Khan passed away on March 9, 2000, after a prolonged illness, leaving behind a legacy of spiritual music that transcends time. He was laid to rest in his native town, and his funeral was attended by thousands, including poets, intellectuals, and admirers.

Even today, his voice continues to echo through the deserts of South Punjab, reminding the world of the undying beauty of Seraiki Sufi music.

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