Legendary folk singer Pathanay Khan remembered on death anniversary 

Kot Addu (Web Desk): The 26th death anniversary of legendary folk singer Pathanay Khan is being observed today (Monday).

He was born in 1926 in the village of Basti Tambu Wali, located in the central region of the Thal Desert, and later rose to prominence as one of the most respected Saraiki folk vocalists in Pakistan.

Over the course of his career, he earned widespread recognition for his powerful voice and deep emotional connection with traditional music.

Pathanay Khan was especially known for performing Kafis and Ghazals, classical poetic forms that were largely inspired by the Sufi poetry of revered saints such as Khwaja Ghulam Farid and Shah Hussain.

Among these influences, he maintained a particularly strong spiritual attachment to Khwaja Ghulam Farid and devoted much of his musical expression to interpreting the poet’s mystical verses.

Through his unique singing style and heartfelt delivery, he brought new depth and understanding to the poetry of Khwaja Farid.

His performances often began with dhoras, traditional folk couplets that served as an introduction to Kafis, and also helped highlight the work of many gifted but lesser-known poets from the Saraiki speaking region.

In recognition of his remarkable contribution to the country’s musical heritage, the Government of Pakistan honoured him with the Pride of Performance in 1979.

After suffering from a prolonged illness, Pathanay Khan passed away on March 9, 2000, in his hometown of Kot Addu, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of folk and Sufi music.