Saeen Zahoor performs in Peshawar for the first time

Singer brought the crowd to its feet in Nishtar Hall

PESHAWAR: Dressed in an embellished robe, black turban and beaded necklaces, Saeen Zahoor performed for the first time in Peshawar on Sunday night. With his tassel-decorated ek tara, Zahoor put listeners in a trance with his magical voice and beautiful renditions of Sufi kalaam.

The singer was backed by eight other musicians in the performance held at Nishtar Hall. He played popular tracks such as Allah Hoo, Bulla Ki Jana Main Kaun, Jugni, Tere Ishq Nachaya and Dama Dam Mast Qalandar, amongst many others.



“I was very happy to perform here,” Zahoor told the media. “I don’t feel like I am outside Punjab. I have received so much love and respect and will definitely perform here again.” Much to the audience’s delight, Zahoor mentioned he will come back to perform Pashto Sufi music, especially that of late poet Rahman Baba, whose works are admired by the Pakhtun people.

Devotional music is largely played at Sufi shrines which, in many ways, also serve as the breeding ground for the musicians. But unlike those in Sindh and Punjab, Sufi shrines in Khyber Pakhtunkwa have been deserted.

“Sufi tradition highlights a softer, multi-cultural aspect of our society. It can play a key role in fighting extremism and the intolerance that is currently prevailing,” Arshad Hussain, one of the organisers of the event, told The Express Tribune.



Zahoor said the purpose of his visit was to endorse the message of peace, tolerance and love for humanity. “It was a brilliant and soulful performance by Saeen,” shared Hussain. He added that Zahoor captivated the audience within minutes, and his views on Sufism and the importance of spreading peace made the evening even better.

Hussain appreciated the efforts of the Directorate of Culture in taking the initiative to put together such a performance in a province that direly needs a revival of traditions. “We believe that we are in disarray now. Our rich culture is a strong tool of reconciliation and development,” stated Hussain. “When all the systems fail to bring peace and tranquility in the world, it is Sufism which will ultimately bring love to the world. The message of our all Saeen Babas is universal and that is to promote peace, tolerance, love and humanity,” added Hussain.

With a history as colourful as his attire, Zahoor was born in Sahiwal and began singing at a very early age. He roamed around different Sufi shrines and holds a very close association with Uch Sharif. Zahoor learnt Sufi music from Ustad Sain Raunka Ali of Patiala Gharana, whom he first met at Baba Bulleh Shah’s shrine. From shrines to the international stage, there is no denying that he has now become synonymous with Sufi music in Pakistan.

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