You cannot tell the story of Pakistani music without its women. They have been its biggest stars and its deepest voices, across every era and every language.
The queens
Noor Jehan — Malika-e-Tarannum, the Queen of Melody — reigned over playback for half a century. Abida Parveen is the Queen of Sufi music, one of the most powerful voices alive (Tu Jhoom). And Nazia Hassan — gone far too young — was the country's first pop superstar (Aankhein Milanay Walay).
The poets' voices
Farida Khanum owns Aaj Jane Ki Zid Na Karo; Iqbal Bano turned Faiz into anthem with Hum Dekhenge; Nayyara Noor was the 'Bulbul-e-Pakistan'; and Reshma sang the desert itself.
The modern stars
Today Quratulain Balouch, Meesha Shafi, Hadiqa Kiani and Naseebo Lal carry the tradition forward.
Explore them all in the artist directory.