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    Pakistan Zindabad: Reviving Nationalism through Music

    Written by: Ibrahim Younus
    Posted on: March 22, 2018 |

    Call the Band and 40 Drummers at the shooting of Pakistan Zindabad

    Last Monday, I witnessed history in the making inside the prestigious walls of Bradlaugh Hall, Lahore. With 23rd March just around the corner, Call the Band, Giraffe and PMR collaborated with 40 drummers from around the country, to prepare a drum anthem, ‘Pakistan Zindabad.’ Set to release on Pakistan Day, the song is meant to evoke the love of Pakistan among Pakistanis; and dare I say, it does so with a flourish.

    Plaque at Bradlaugh Hall

    For shooting purposes, the production team, informed me of the group’s initial desire to secure Bradlaugh Hall. Bradlaugh Hall is a historically significant site, established by the Indian National Congress as part of its Freedom Movement in 1900s. Over the years, many gatherings of a political nature took place here, and it was visited by Allama Muhammad Iqbal, Maulana Zafar Ali Khan and Bhagat Singh. One expects that this symbol of revolution would have been preserved by relevant authorities, yet unfortunately the edifice is crumbling. However, after considerable hassle, the group managed to achieve their objective and secured the site for the shoot.

    Bradlaugh Hall

    The event was unique in that all the artists funded themselves, and there were no branded sponsors, sending a loud and clear message to the audience that the performers had not been given any monetary incentives; their sole purpose was to awaken the masses through their music. Drummers ranged from the ages of 8 to 30+, sharing an equal passion and parallel skill in playing the instrument. They had started training a week and a half before the event and their devotion was evident when I inquired about their grueling routine in the run up to the final shoot. While some informed me that they had been practicing since 4 am, others remarked that they had slept on site for three days running. And yet none of them seemed tired.

    Call the Band, has been missing from the music scene for a while, and made a smashing comeback with their song for the PSL ‘Peshawer Zalmi’ team, recently. When I approached Xulfi, he said, “We have been producing songs at a slow but steady pace, and we have many more planned for the future as well.” As a fan of his music, I inquired about his experience with Nescafe Basement, “I absolutely loved it. It was wonderful and I feel privileged for having being a part of something evolutionary,” he said. Regarding the drum anthem, he said, “As Pakistanis, there is no chant that feels more fulfilling than screaming Pakistan Zindabad! Nowadays, there are very few occasions where we have the opportunity to come together and chant for the well-being of our beloved country. What is even more compelling is that the musicians taking part in this have done it for the country, and haven’t charged any fees. Additionally, any proceeds we might earn from any online monetization shall go towards supporting the drummer’s fraternity, by donating as many drum-kits as possible to music academies across the country.” Since all band members were interacting with spectators during intervals, I took advantage of one such break and met Junaid Khan as well, who shared Xulfi’s enthusiasm for the drum anthem.

    Bilawal Lahooti, Gumby and Ken Zerrick

    The enthusiasm was ubiquitous, and visible in the conversations I had with other drummers as well, such as Daud Ramay. When I asked Daud about the experience of playing alongside 39 other drummers he said, “It’s fantastic to be a part of something that’s never been done before.” Daud has been drumming since he was a child, and remains intensely passionate about it, with hopes of converting it into a full-time profession. The drummers expressed their hopes about a brighter future of drumming in Pakistan, with events such as this one becoming more prevalent. For Shahzeb Khan, drummer of the band Those Retards, their live performance was entrancing, “When we all play together, the sound is phenomenal. To call it overwhelming would be an understatement. I hope the final version is just as enthralling.”

    Fifu Kid, one of the youngest drummers

    As I observed Call’s performance on stage, surrounded by a circle of drummers which included three traditional dhol walay as well, it was clear what their intention had been when embarking upon this project. Light seeped through the gaps in the ancient wooden alcoves, the drums beat along in perfect harmony, and a huge Pakistani flag served as the backdrop. There were no air conditioners and the heat was scorching, but no one seemed to care. Every participant was fully engrossed in their music, and when the song reached its climax, a unanimous shout of “Pakistan Zindabad” shook the walls of Bradlaugh Hall. A revolution this was indeed; a revolution of music.

    Dhol Walay, 'BestofMastam'


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021