National Anthems of the World

Lyrics, history and anecdotes

🇵🇰 Pakistan

The national anthem of Pakistan is called: « Qaumi Taranah ».

Continent: Asia

Bordering Countries:
🇦🇫 Afghanistan
🇨🇳 China
🇮🇳 India
🇮🇷 Iran (Islamic Republic of)

History of « Qaumi Taranah »

« Qaumi Taranah » (National Anthem) is the national anthem of Pakistan. The anthem reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage, its struggle for independence, and the unity of its people.

Key Dates and People

  • 1947: The music for « Qaumi Taranah » was composed by Ahmed Ghulamali Chagla, a renowned Pakistani composer, shortly after Pakistan gained independence from British rule on August 14, 1947.
  • 1952: The lyrics were written by Hafeez Jalandhari, a prominent Pakistani poet, in 1952. The anthem was officially adopted on August 13, 1954.

Anecdotes

  • Melody First: Interestingly, the music for the national anthem was composed before the lyrics were written. Ahmed Ghulamali Chagla’s composition was selected in 1949, and it took three more years to finalize the lyrics.
  • National Competition: The lyrics were chosen through a national competition. Hafeez Jalandhari’s poetic and evocative words were selected from numerous entries, reflecting the aspirations and spirit of the Pakistani people.
  • Cultural Significance: « Qaumi Taranah » is performed at national celebrations, official ceremonies, and sporting events, reinforcing its role in uniting the Pakistani people and celebrating their heritage. The anthem’s stirring lyrics and melody inspire a sense of unity and pride among Pakistanis.

Lyrics Excerpt

In Urdu

پاک سرزمین شاد باد
کشورِ حسین شاد باد
تُو نشانِ عزمِ عالی شان
ارضِ پاکستان!
مرکزِ یقین شاد باد

پاک سرزمین کا نظام
قوتِ اُخوتِ عوام
قوم، ملک، سلطنت
پائِندہ تابِندہ باد!

شاد باد منزِلِ مراد
پرچمِ ستاره و ہلال
رہبرِ ترقّی و کمال
ترجمانِ ماضی، شانِ حال
جانِ استقبال!
سایۂ خدائے ذو الجلال

In English (translation)

Blessed be the sacred land,
Happy be the bounteous realm,
Symbol of high resolve, land of Pakistan.

Blessed be thou center of faith.
The Order of this Sacred Land
Is the might of the brotherhood of the people.

May the nation, the country, and the State
Shine in glory everlasting!
Blessed be the goal of our ambition.

This flag of the Crescent and the Star
Leads the way to progress and perfection,
Interpreter of our past, glory of our present,
Inspiration of our future!
Shade of God, the Glorious and Mighty.

Sources: