Pathanay Khan

Pathanay Khan (1926–2000), born Ghulam Mohammad, was a renowned Saraiki folk singer whose voice became closely associated with the Sufi poetry and musical traditions of the Saraiki region.

He was born in 1926 in Basti Tambu Wali near Kot Addu, in the area that was then part of British India. He became particularly known for singing kafis, ghazals and folk compositions, drawing extensively on the poetry of Sufi poets including Khwaja Ghulam Farid, Baba Bulleh Shah and Pir Meher Ali Shah. Radio Pakistan and the Associated Press of Pakistan continue to identify him as an important figure in Saraiki folk music.

Pathanay Khan’s early life was marked by financial hardship. According to published biographical accounts, he left school after the seventh grade and developed a deep attachment to singing and the poetry of Khwaja Ghulam Farid. His early musical guidance is commonly attributed to Baba Mir Khan.

His singing became particularly associated with the spiritual and poetic traditions of Rohi and the Saraiki-speaking region. Rather than treating the kafi simply as a folk song, his performances emphasized its devotional and emotional character. His repertoire included poetry connected with Khwaja Ghulam Farid and other major Sufi poets.

Pathanay Khan achieved wider recognition through radio and television performances. Among the songs associated with his recorded repertoire are “Meda Ishq Vee Toon,” “Kya Haal Sunawan Dil Da,” “Jindari Lutti” and “Peelu Pakian Nee.” His first album, Mein Vee Jana Jhok Ranjhan, was released in 1984, while Kaafi is listed among his later releases in 1999.

In recognition of his contribution to music, the Government of Pakistan awarded Pathanay Khan the Pride of Performance in 1979.

Pathanay Khan died on 9 March 2000 in his native Kot Addu at the age of 74. His death anniversaries continue to be observed, and Radio Pakistan reported his 26th death anniversary in March 2026, describing him as a Saraiki lok singer whose repertoire included kafis based on the poetry of major Sufi poets.

His recordings remain an important part of the recorded heritage of Saraiki folk and Sufi music, particularly for listeners interested in the poetry of Khwaja Ghulam Farid and the musical traditions of southern Punjab.