Junaid Safdar sings for imprisoned grandfather Nawaz Sharif

LONDON: Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s son Muhammad Junaid Safdar has paid heartfelt singing tribute to his imprisoned grandfather Nawaz Sharif, the former prime minister of Pakistan.

Junaid Safdar, who is studying a master’s course at the London School of Economics (LSE), made his surprise singing debut at the London Qawwali night here at the Cumberland Hotel in Central London. The event attended was arranged by Abdurrehman Chinoy who joined hands with various Pakistan societies led by Salman Muhammad to organise the grand Qawwali night. Sabri brothers, famous Qawwlas from Pakistan, flew in especially for the occasion and performed nonstop for three hours.

An hour after the opening of Qawwali concert, Junaid Safdar was invited to perform at the stage. In a spell-bounding performance, Junaid recited Sufiyana kalam of Muhammad Baksh. He sang two kalaams and ended his performance with rendition of Muhammad Bakhsh’s poem about imprisonment.

He repeatedly sang “kee hoya jo aaj qaidi banay, seda qaidi nahee rehan (so what if there is imprisonment today, this imprisonment will not last forever”.

Speaking to this scribe, Junaid confirmed that he had sung these lines in memory of his grand-father Nawaz Sharif who is currently in Kotlakhpat jail. He said Nawaz Sharif has millions of die-hard followers who believe in him and miss him all the time while he’s in jail. “He lives in heart of Pakistanis for his unmatchable sacrifices for the people of Pakistan. He’s missed more in current times than ever before. He showed extraordinary leadership and courage.”

Abdurrehman Chinoy said that he arranged the Qawwali night to promote message of peace and harmony. “Sufism and Qawwali is something that is celebrated in both Pakistan and India. The event was also attended by a lot Indians along with Pakistanis, the message was to promote dialogue and to showcase the softer side of Pakistan. Pakistani nation believes in peace but at the same time won’t bow down to any pressure or bullying by India or any other state. It was a great turn up and everyone really enjoyed.”

Chinoy, who recently organised Pakistan Future Conference at the LSE, said that it’s important to bring together Pakistani students through celebration of our culture and shared values. “Students at such events come together as one and they only celebrate Pakistaniat and the values of equality and co-existence espoused by the founder of Pakistan.”