Music has a way of sticking with us, doesn’t it? Usually, songs come and go, but then some feel at home, no matter how much time passes. Pakistani music has given us some absolute gems over the decades. These classics continue to hold a special place in our hearts. Whether it’s nostalgia, melodies that hit just right, or lyrics that refuse to fade, these songs are pure magic.
So, here’s our pick of the top 10 such Pakistani songs that are timeless, the ones that can never lose their charm and still make us hit replay each time. Let’s dive in!
Afreen Afreen – Rahat Fateh Ali Khan
Let’s be real: Afreen Afreen is not just a song—it’s a feeling. Originally composed by the legendary Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s rendition of it on Coke Studio Season 9 took it to another level, making it a household favourite. The melody is soulful, the lyrics poetic and the song? Simply enchanting. Moreover, Momina Mutehsan’s sweet vocals blend so beautifully with Rahat’s. It’s one of those tracks that instantly elevates any playlist.
Sajni – Strings
If you grew up in the 2000s, there’s no way you don’t remember Sajni. The guitar riffs, plus the melancholic yet soothing vocals of Bilal Maqsood and Faisal Kapadia, make Sajni an anthem of longing and heartbreak. Strings gave us so many hits, but Sajni was and is the one that truly stands the test of time and will get us all up and going. Sajni Main Tere Gun Gawan Tu Hai Meri Thandi Chawaan~
Ko Ko Korina – Ahmed Rushdi (Armaan, 1966)
Before there was pop, there was Ko Ko Korina. The OG rock-and-roll number is considered the first pop song of Pakistan and of all of South Asia! This song from the movie Armaan became a cultural phenomenon in Pakistani cinema, with many remakes of it still to this day. Ahmed Rushdi’s lively vocals and andYouTubecatchy tune made it a track that even new generations can’t resist humming along to any time of the day.
Dosti Aisa Naata – Afshaa Ahmad
Friendship anthems don’t get better than this. Dosti Aisa Naata is one of those songs that instantly bring a smile to your face. A song to sing when your friend is angry, the one to sing to win over your siblings and simply the one to hum along to whenever you hear it playing. The lyrics beautifully capture the essence of companionship and the unbreakable bond of friends who stick together through thick and thin.
Read More: “We Get Paid Nothing!” – Hajra Yamin Slams Drama Channels
Aap Jaisa Koi – Nazia Hassan
No one made pop music like Nazia Hassan, and Aap Jaisa Koi is proof. This track, which became a massive hit in the ’80s, still feels fresh decades later. There have been numerous remakes of the song, and we have lost count, with the latest one released in 2022. The OG funky beats and Nazia’s smooth vocals make it impossible not to tap your feet to it and dance. Truly legendary!
Mahia – Annie Khalid
Mahia was way ahead of its time, and no doubt it attracted the popularity it did. Annie Khalid was the queen of soft pop in the 2000s, and 14 years ago, Mahia was her crown jewel. The song was everywhere, blasting from car speakers, played at every school function, and even made its way to international audiences. It’s a song that instantly transports you back to simpler, fun times.
Mera Bichara Yaar – Strings
Another Strings classic, Mera Bichara Yaar, is an emotional rollercoaster. It’s a song about loss, nostalgia and cherishing the bonds we form in life. The simplicity of the lyrics, combined with the heartfelt delivery, makes this song unforgettable. You can still put it on during a drive, and the feel would be just the same.
Aadat – Atif Aslam
You don’t talk about timeless Pakistani songs and do not mention Aadat. Atif Aslam’s breakthrough song became an anthem for every emo teenager back in the day (and let’s be honest, we still vibe to it). That signature raspy voice, the haunting tune—Aadat was and still is an unmatched classic.
Par Chana De – Noori
Noori gave us some of the best alt-rock anthems, and Par Chana De is one of their finest. The song fuses folk with rock, creating a sound that’s both raw and deeply soulful. And as beautiful as the song sounds, its story is just as tragic. Par Chanaa De is based on a famous folk tale from the Punjab region about Sohni and Mahiwal. It’s one of those tracks that you can listen to on a road trip, late at night, or just when you need to get lost in the music.
Chan Kithan – Ali Sethi
Ali Sethi is a master of reinventing classics, and Chan Kithan is a prime example of his brilliance. The song, originally a Punjabi folk piece, was given a fresh, modern touch while keeping its soul intact. It is dreamy, peaceful, melancholic and just one of those songs that linger in your mind long after you’ve listened to it.
Pakistani music has a rich history, and these songs prove that great music never fades. Whether you grew up listening to these tracks or you’ve just discovered them, they easily settle themselves in the hearts of all and continue to hold their magic over every generation.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for latest news and updates