No limits: DI Khan’s very own Pied Piper

25-year-old Samiullah Naeemi delivers performances in Urdu, Pashto, Saraiki

DI KHAN:

Samiullah Naeemi teaches music at Quaid-e-Azam Public School and College in DI Khan and is part of a band of musicians in the district.

Though the 25-year-old musician is blind, he has never allowed this to restrict his prospects. Still young, Samiullah has juggled multiple tasks and made the most of his life. He also works at a furniture shop.

He finished his five-year diploma from Government Institute for the Blind DI Khan and is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree through distance learning from Allama Iqbal Open University in Islamabad. Throughout his life, he has not depended on people and believes in fulfilling his dreams through hard work. The 25-year-old musician has maintained a strong Facebook presence and frequently uploads photographs and videos of his performances.

Music career

Samiullah is passionate about music and has delivered performances in Urdu, Pashto and Saraiki. His Saraiki songs have encouraged many of his fans in Punjab to invite him to perform at various events.

Whenever he performs with his band, Samiullah prefers to play the guitar. He also aspires to perform on Saraiki programmes on television.

“I have received no appreciation or help from the government,” he said. “Therefore, I publicise my own music and have a large number of fans locally.”

The namesake

When he was a child, Samiullah met his teacher and mentor, Sahibzada Muhammad Naeemi.

“The instructor had such a profound influence in my life that I adopted his surname,” Samiullah said.

The 25-year-old’s teacher taught him how to play various instruments and helped hone his singing skills.

“I had 20 students in my class, but Sami was one of the fastest learners,” Sahibzada Muhammad told The Express Tribune. “He was quick and more receptive to new ideas than the rest of the class.”

Need to change

Speaking about Government Institute for the Blind in DI Khan, Samiullah’s teacher said the school has encountered a diverse menu of problems that need to be addressed.

Established in 1983, the school was only for primary-level students. It needs to be upgraded to either a middle or high school.

“The building is rented and it is high time the school gets its own premises,” he said.

“We used to have a van to pick and drop students. However, it is now in a dilapidated condition and in urgent need of repair.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 3^rd,  2016.