Best Pakistani Singers of All Time and Their Iconic Tracks for Karaoke

Pakistan has a musical heritage that is truly among the richest in the world. It beautifully intertwines the vibrant sounds of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East, while also embracing the rhythms of contemporary Western music. This unique fusion creates a captivating tapestry of melodies that reflects the country's diverse cultural landscape.

Arabic music and Hindustani classical music, specifically the Qawwali and Ghazal genres, are also a part of the Pakistani music foundation. The trained vocals and amazing tonal sense of Pakistani singers make them unique and loved worldwide. Here is a list of some of the best Pakistani singers of all time and their iconic tracks for Pakistani karaoke.

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan   

Born: 13 October 1948

Died: 16 August 1997 

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, affectionately known as NFAK, was born into the traditional family of Qawwals, with a legacy carried over 600 years. He is a Pakistani singer, songwriter, and music director. His musical journey began at the tender age of 15, when he took his first steps onto the stage, setting the stage for a phenomenal career.

With a distinctive style that resonated with audiences, Nusrat quickly rose to prominence, eventually becoming the head of his family's Qawwali party. His collaboration with Oriental Star Agencies in Birmingham and various Western artists helped him transition from a local treasure to a globally celebrated musical icon.

Awarded the illustrious title of Shahensha-e-Qawwali, NFAK was recognised as one of the 50 great voices by NPR and earned a spot on Rolling Stone's list of the 200 greatest singers of all time. His contributions to music extended far beyond Qawwali; he was an exceptional master of Hindustani classical music, leaving an indelible mark on South Asian music, including Pakistani and Indian pop as well as Bollywood.

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's timeless qawwalis are not just tunes; they have become essential staples in Pakistani Karaoke Sessions, delivering an electrifying and soul-stirring experience for music lovers everywhere. 

Some of the most popular Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Karaoke Tracks include: 

• Dulhe Ka Sehra Karaoke
• Sanu Ek Pal Chain Karaoke
• Allah Hoo Karaoke
• Chhap Tilak Sab Chheeni Karaoke
• Ye Jo Halka Halka Karaoke

Ghulam Ali 

Born: 5 December 1940 

Ghulam Ali is celebrated as one of the most distinguished and legendary artists in history. He was named after the iconic Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, a musician his father greatly admired. During his early teenage years, he was trained by Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, preserving the rich legacy of his mentor.

Ghulam Ali is a celebrated Pakistani singer of the Patiala gharana, renowned for his ability to blend Ghazal and classical singing, captivating audiences with his performances. Ghulam Ali began his career on Radio Pakistan and quickly rose to fame as a composer for his Ghazals, often praised for his structured raag-based approach.

In addition to his contributions to Urdu Ghazals, he is well-known for his Punjabi, Bollywood, and Nepali Ghazal singing. His introduction to Bollywood came through the Urdu film song "Chupke Chupke Raat Din", written by Hasrat Mohani for the film "Nikkah". Karaoke versions of some of the most popular Ghulam Ali songs include: 

• Bin Baarish Barsat Karaoke
• Chamakte Chand Ko Toota (Awaargi) Karaoke
• Kangna Karaoke
• Yeh Dil Yeh Pagal Dil Mera Karaoke
• Baharon Ko Chaman Karaoke

Abida Parveen 

Born: 20 February 1954 

Abida Parveen is a versatile legend, showcasing her talent as a singer, composer, musician, painter, and entrepreneur. 

Her foundational training came from her father, Ustad Ghulam Haider, an esteemed singer and music teacher of his era. Later, she took training from Ustad Salamat Ali Khan from the revered Sham Chaurasia Gharana, where her artistry blossomed.

A true testament to her versatility, Abida effortlessly sings in a multitude of languages, including Urdu, Sindhi, Persian, Arabic, and Punjabi. She made her public debut in the vibrant 1970s. She made her international debut with her first concert in Buena Park, California, in 1993. Abida has graced platforms like Coke Studio and appeared on popular shows such as Pakistan Idol, leaving an indelible mark on both the Indian and Pakistani music scenes.

With an extensive understanding of Sufi music, her father entrusted her with preserving their family's rich musical heritage. Today, Abida Parveen stands as a legendary figure, recognised as a Peace Ambassador by SAARC and rightfully crowned the "Queen of Sufi Music". Below, you'll find a collection of the most loved Abida Parveen Karaoke Tracks, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the iconic melodies of this extraordinary artist.

• Yaar Ko Humne Ja Baja Dekha Karaoke
• Aaqa Karaoke
• Tere Ishq Nachaya Karaoke
• Mann Laago Yaar Karaoke
• Jab Se Toone Mujhe Karaoke

Mehdi Hassan 

Born: 18 July 1927

Died:  13 June 2012

Mehdi Hassan, often referred to as Shahenshah-e-Ghazal, was a celebrated Pakistani ghazal and playback singer whose influence resonated across generations. Born into the Kalawant Musicians family, he developed a passion for music from a young age, inspiring countless artists in the fields of ghazal and classical singing. 

At just eight years old, he began his classical music training under the tutelage of his father, Ustad Azeem Khan, and his uncle, Ustad Ismail Khan. He skilfully mastered various classical forms, including dhrupad, dadra, thumri, and khayal. By the age of 19, he was already performing in the royal courts of Jaipur, Rajputana.

After migrating to Pakistan following Partition, he started showcasing his talent on Radio Pakistan, initially performing thumri before making the transition to ghazal. His playback singing career took off with the song "Nazar Milte Hi Dil Ki Baat Ka Charcha Na Ho Jaye" for the film "Shikhar." Over the years, he firmly established himself as a talented singer, lending his voice to more than 300 films. The depth and emotions of the ghazals by Mehdi Hassan are cherished and are one of the most chosen tracks from the Pakistani Karaoke range.  

Some of the most loved Mehdi Hassan karaoke Tracks include:

• Usne Jab Meri Taraf Karaoke
• Rafta Rafta Wo Meri Karaoke
• Ranjis Hi Sahi Karaoke
• Dil E Veeran Hai Karaoke
• Gulon Mein Rang Bhare Karaoke

Noor Jehan

Born: 21 September 1926 

Died: 23 December 2000

Noor Jehan, born Allah Rakhi Wesai, was a remarkably skilled Pakistani singer and actress, often referred to as "Malika-e-Tarannum" (the Queen of Melody) in Pakistan. She received formal training in the Patiala Gharana style of Hindustani classical music from Ustad Ghulam Mohammad and Kajjan Bai. 

As she grew up, she developed an interest in acting and pursued it as her primary career for 33 years. She later focused on playback singing, starting with the movie "Channa Wey" in 1951. Over a career spanning six decades, she recorded over 10,000 songs and became a national icon, beloved across Pakistan, India, and beyond. Some of the Best Noor Jehan karaoke Songs include:

• Piya Nahi Aaye Karaoke
• Le Aayi Phir Kahan Par Kismat Humein Karaoke
• Jawan Hai Mohabbat Karaoke
• Tu Kaunsi Badli Mein Mere Karaoke
• Kehnde Ne Naina Karaoke

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan

Born: 9 December 1974 

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has captured the hearts of music lovers around the globe as one of the most celebrated Pakistani Punjabi singers. Under the guidance of his renowned uncle, Rahat was steeped in music from a young age, becoming a trained qawwal by just seven years old. His journey in the music world began as a key member of Nusrat’s Qawwal group, with whom he travelled extensively, soaking up invaluable experience.

In a remarkable leap into Bollywood, Rahat made his debut with the soulful track "Maan Ki Lagan" from the movie "Paap" in 2003. His talent soon shone brightly, making him a leading playback singer in both the Hindi and Pakistani film industries. His performances in 2012 at Wembley Arena and Manchester were nothing short of spectacular, setting record-breaking ticket sales at a live South Asian music concert that left fans buzzing.

Rahat’s hit song "Zaroori Tha" from the album *Back 2 Love* made history, becoming the first non-film music video to get over 200 million views on YouTube within just three years. Truly, he’s a trendsetter of our time! If you’re looking to enjoy his music, here are some of the most iconic Rahat Fathe Ali Khan Karaoke Tracks that you won’t want to miss:

• Afreen Afreen Karaoke
• Mere Rashke Qamar Karaoke
• O Re Piya Karaoke
• Teri Meri Karaoke
• Jag Soona Soona Laage Karaoke

Atif Aslam

Born: 12 March 1983 

Atif Aslam is one of the most famous new-age Pakistani singers. Born into a middle-class family, Atif began his singing career by performing in local competitions. He started his professional music journey in the 2000s and released his first album, "Jal Pari", in 2004. His song “Aadat” became a youth anthem, launching his Bollywood career.

Afterward, he released a series of albums that gained massive popularity and love from fans. He is also a proficient singer in the Pakistani television and Indian film industries. With his exceptional vocal belting skills, he has captivated millions with his emotive vocals and dynamic range. Here are some of the most popular Atif Aslam karaoke songs:

• Be Intehaan Karaoke
• Kinna Sona Karaoke
• Aa Bhi Jaa Sanam Karaoke
• Hona Tha Pyaar Karaoke
• Tu Jaane Na Karaoke

Conclusion

Pakistan’s musical legacy is a timeless treasure filled with soulful voices, poetic lyrics, and masterful compositions. From the spiritual depths of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Abida Parveen to the romantic ghazals of Mehdi Hassan and Ghulam Ali, and from the melodic strength of Noor Jehan to the modern charisma of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Atif Aslam, each artist has left an unforgettable mark on generations of music lovers.

Whether you are a seasoned vocalist or a Pakistani Karaoke Enthusiast, exploring these iconic tracks allows you to connect with the rich cultural and emotional landscape of Pakistani music. These Karaoke versions offer not only an opportunity to enjoy but also to perform some of the most cherished songs in South Asian music history.

So grab the mic, choose your favourite track, and let your voice pay tribute to the legends of Pakistani music!