'Queen of Pop' Nazia Hassan remembered on 26th death anniversary 

Karachi (Web Desk): The 26th death anniversary of Pakistan’s celebrated pop icon Nazia Hassan is being observed today (Thursday), as admirers continue to remember the singer whose distinctive voice and musical style earned her a lasting place in the hearts of audiences at home and abroad.

Nazia Hassan, widely celebrated as the “Queen of Pop”, achieved extraordinary recognition despite having a life that lasted only 35 years.

Her influence on the music scene extended far beyond her brief career, with her songs continuing to be remembered by generations of listeners.

Born in Karachi on April 3, 1965, Nazia Hassan entered the entertainment world while still a child. During the late 1970s, she appeared on several Pakistan Television (PTV) programmes as a child performer, gradually establishing herself as a promising young talent.

Nazia’s major breakthrough came when she was just 15. She delivered the lead vocals for “Aap Jaisa Koi”, featured in the 1980 Indian film Qurbani. The song became a huge success and brought her the Filmfare Award in 1981, marking a significant milestone in her career.

Nazia Hassan further made history in 1981 when she became the first playback singer to release an album following the launch of her debut record, Disco Deewane. The album gained widespread popularity and cemented her status as one of the region’s most influential young music stars.

In 1988, Nazia appeared alongside her brother Zoheb Hassan and renowned music personality Sohail Rana on his television programme Sung Sung. The following year, the brother-sister duo presented the pioneering music programme Music ’89. Nazia also hosted the PTV programme Dhanak during 1989.

Acknowledging her remarkable contribution to music and the arts, the Government of Pakistan honoured Nazia Hassan with the country’s prestigious civilian award, the Pride of Performance.

Nazia Hassan passed away in London on August 13, 2000, after battling lung cancer.