Unlike the rest of the entertainment scenario in Pakistan, music channels are actually attracting new audiences day by day. Today, because of these music channels, local bands and singers like Atif, Jal, Noori and Junoon are more popular than any foreign band or singer. The concerts of these artists and bands are well attended and their albums generate good revenues well because their videos are shown on local music channels. The loyal viewers of these channels are helping pop musicians win the war and push out western and especially the Indian music.
The music industry has come a long way in a very short span of time. Today, it is a complete industry with local music channels dedicated to bringing forward Pakistani talent and the channels’ websites helping expose several local bands and artists doing various genres of music from rock to classical. An example of such an activity is the “Sangeet Icon” and “Coke Studio”.
These days, the most requested videos on several Indian channels are those of Pakistani artists e.g. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Atif Aslam, Jal. This is a great sign, which shows that the country’s music channels are all doing well internationally too.
These channels have promoted pop music so well that channels like HUM TV and Geo TV now air Pakistani artists’ music videos during prime time viewing. This clearly shows a change in the trend of viewing, which has now shifted from dramas and sitcoms to music videos.
Today local music channels stand out among all the private Pakistani
channels. With witty and educated presenters and colorful sets, Indus Music and The Musik are fun to watch. One can proudly say
that Pakistani music channels like IM and The Musik can now match foreign music channels.
In fact, the obvious lack of an independent music scene across the border has opened up endless possibilities for Pakistani artists. Nearly all Pakistan’s major artists have engaged in joint collaborations with India, and toured and signed record deals. In the last year alone, in fact, there were more musical collaborations with artists and organizations in India than ever before in history, starting with Ali Azmat’s ‘Garaj Baras,’ for Pooja Bhatt’s movie, Paap.
Author: Huma Zia
mediainpakistan
Media in Pakistan 
Its true, I myself watch THE MUZIK channel very often and undoubtedly its of an elite standard. Although I do wish that Pakistani Artists like Atif and others as you mentioned, would also keep up their work here in Pakistan while reaching the international audience, esp. India 🙂
yeah i agree with the author here…its our industry is sure flurishing and it feels really good to see all paki singers on Indian platforms whiping away their audience :p
True! I think pakistan has bunch of talented artists who can compete with any singer internationally…and they can contribute largely to pakistans music industry if properly managed.
totally agreed…means we ve talent that can compete with anyone anywhere in the world..new talent needs opportunity and appreciation to achieve and compete goals…so media is giving that opportunity to our talent and youth…..and articles like this giving them the appreciation and awareness to others..all the best 🙂 to all
Very true. Besides I think music production seems to have stayed in the shadows in the Pakistan music industry. Behind the successes of some of the top talent in the country, there were almost always music producers who never got their due credit.
It was refreshing to read a good piece on music after a long time. Well done to the author for putting the spot light on our musicians!
i agree 100% with the author ……our singers are now know in world and due to this our music industry is expanding 🙂
very true, in the past the music industry never got the fame and appreciation it deserved. this was perhaps the reasons that some of our talented musician like adnan sami lest our industry and went to India. things however have changed now. our musicians are being promoted and appreciated through all these music channels which i think is great.
I agree with Miss Huma Zia,our artist are this much talented that they can compete internationally
I totally agree with the opinion and analysis of the author! it is a good sign for our music industry. although, i do hope that it continues to grow on the same pattern so that the industry can expand more and result in more economic activity in this industry
i like the thought of the article…we need to create awareness amongst our people that just because our artists perform in India, its not something to create an issue over but to appreciate and take pride in!! 🙂
very nicely written article … i completely agree with it…just in last couple of years the music industry has gained more popularity than ever in Pakistan there was a time when singers like ali azmat had to lose their passports to go and sing in India. it should b realized that we have talent and it should be appreciated and not make them feel worthless as was done till just a decade back!!!
i totally agree that pakistan music industry is flourishing everywhere.. it could be a potential back bone of pakistan and the credit goes to leading singers like atif aslam, rahat fateh ali khan, fuzon and noori. every day there is am improvement in their music that makes us proud of our music. many channels have been introduced that are broadcasting beyond our borders. all they need is a proper platform and resources and in no time our music will be reaching the heights.
“phir bhi dil hai pakistani” 😛
Pakistan Zindabad! 😀
well, all is well said but the issue is not why our musicians choose to fly borders for work… the problem is why they don’t come back? it is easy to play and get famous in an industry that is well establish. But our musicians need to understand that they are the ones who will rebuild and set the basis of music industry in Pakistan. Nobody is going to do it for them. They have to take the initiative and become the pioneers (at this point in time they will be called the pioneers of music industry of 21st century i.e. if they take the initiative).
Hence, they should see the bigger picture and take real steps to strengthen their roots within the country. There is no harm in flying around the world, yet it is objectionable if you fly around and never return to the motherland for good!
Well, i agree with Sahar. but just because we need to flourish and rebuild our music industry is not a good enough reason to criticize the foreign tours of our musicians. As it is said, music has no boundaries! it grows where ever it has to… so its pointless to limit musicians and tell them where to launch their albums. artists should not be restricted. freedom is the only reason behind their creativity. i completely agree with the author and i must say.. unlike other online articles, it is written in an impressive way… as in its written for general public to understand and not for the professors to impress them with heavy vocab!
thank you for your appreciation amna and i agree with you on the point that they need to be supported in Pakistan as well. take example of Shehzad Roy, every other song he sings (recently) gets banned on Pakistani Channels and is played over and over again in the international arena. i think it is now for the required authorities to step in protect the industry before it ends up right where lollywood did.
well i guess everyone should be given the liberty to grow… our musicians are doing a good job and its an interesting article to acknowledge their efforts to strengthen the cracked up music industry of Pakistan. I like the article. It is well written.
Its a very comprehensive article. It is obvious that the writer has researched a lot on the topic and has very well expressed her experience and info.
Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent. The ever flourishing music industry of Pakistan is something we should take pride in..:)
i completely agree with the views of miss zia. 🙂
PAKISTAN ROCKS!!!
i love paki music and i think it should be promoted more and more!!! our music industry has the potential