This March 9 marked the 22nd death anniversary of famous Saraiki folk singer, Pathanay Khan.
Born Ghulam Muhammad in 1926, Khan was a native of Basti Tambu Wali which is situated in the Thal desert.
Khan started his career at a tender age and became known in his native village for singing in a specific style that only he could deliver. He gained popularity with his melodious kafis and ghazals, and rose to fame at national level for singing the poetry of Baba Bullay Shah, Khuwaja Ghulam Fareed, Pir Mehar Ali Shah and many other popular sufi poets.
Some of his most memorable works include Maida Ishq Vi Toun, Wajay Allah Wali Taar, Kya Haal Sunawan Dil Da, Pilu Pakiyan Nay, and Kadi Moa Mahran. It was Khan’s characteristic style of singing that impressed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto who bestowed upon him the Pride of Performance award in 1979.
The government of Pakistan awarded him with Pride of Performance in 1979.
Pathanay Khan died on this day in the year 2000 at his native town in Kot Addu at the age of 74.