LAHORE (Dunya News) - It is now 43 years since the death of national anthem creator Hafeez Jalandhari, the nation is set to observe his anniversary on Sunday (today).
He was born in Jalandhar, Punjab on January 14 in 1900 and migrated to Lahore after independence.
He wrote the lyrics for the national anthem of Pakistan in 1952.
Hafeez Jalandhari actively participated in Pakistan Movement and used his writings to propagate for the cause of Pakistan.
He also wrote the Kashmiri Anthem, "Watan Hamara Azad Kashmir". He wrote many patriotic songs during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.
For his literary and patriotic services to Pakistan, Jalandhari was awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz and Pride of Performance by the Government of Pakistan.
Hafeez Jalandhari, a popular Urdu poet and short story writer, was originally named Muhammad Hafeez and nicknamed Abul-Athsar, but he became famous as Hafeez Jalandhari.
After the establishment of Pakistan, Hafeez Jalandhari settled in Lahore at the age of 47. He also held the positions of DG Morale in the Pakistan Army, Chief Adviser to the President of Pakistan, and Director of the Writers Guild.
Hafiz Jalandhari's greatest achievement is creating the "Shahnama of Islam" and the national anthem of the Kingdom of God, Pakistan. He liked to call himself a ghazal singer, but he also wrote such powerful songs in very simple language that leave a deep impression on the listener's heart.
Hafiz Jalandhari's poetry collections include Naghma Zaar, Talkaba Shirin, and Suzo Saaz, the collection of short stories is Haft Pekar, while the song collections include Hindustan Hamara and Phool Mali. In addition, children's poems and a unique book, Chawanti Nama, are also notable works of his.
Hafeez Jalandhari passed away on December 21, 1982 and rests peacefully under the shadow of Minar-e-Pakistan in Manto Park, Lahore.
His poetry, creations, and message continue to be a beacon of light for us today.