Shafaullah Khan Rokhri

Shafaullah Khan Rokhri (1966–2020) was a Pakistani Saraiki folk singer, songwriter and music producer whose distinctive voice became closely associated with the folk music of the Saraiki region.

He was born in 1966 in Rokhri, a village near Mianwali in Punjab. He adopted the name of his hometown as part of his artistic identity, becoming known professionally as Shafaullah Khan Rokhri. His early connection with music came through his family, and before pursuing singing as a full-time career, he also served in the Punjab Police. His passion for music eventually led him to leave the police service and pursue singing professionally.

Rokhri began his singing career in the early 1980s. According to Dawn, his first audio cassette was released in 1985–86 through Rehmat Gramophone House of Faisalabad. He subsequently stepped away from singing for around a decade before returning to the music scene in 1998–99. His return proved highly successful, and his recordings quickly gained popularity among listeners of Saraiki and Punjabi folk music.

Among the songs associated with his career were “Ajj Kala Jorra Pa,” “Dhola Phaira Pa,” “Banh Meri Butti,” “Mein Sutti Paee Nu Jagaya Mahi,” and “Sohnian Akhian Kajlay Bharyaan.” His music drew on themes common to South Asian folk traditions, including love, separation, longing and everyday rural life. Dawn reported that his 1998–99 release became an immediate hit and helped establish his renewed presence in the music scene.

Over the years, Shafaullah Khan Rokhri became a recognized name in Saraiki music. The Associated Press of Pakistan has included him among notable Saraiki artistes, alongside singers such as Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi, Pathanay Khan, Mansoor Malangi and Ahmed Nawaz Cheena. His work reached audiences across Pakistan and contributed to the continuing popularity of Saraiki folk music.

His son, Zeeshan Khan Rokhri, also became a singer. Together, father and son were associated with Rokhri Productions, through which music was produced and released for new audiences. Their work helped connect traditional folk music with newer forms of music distribution, including digital platforms and YouTube.

Shafaullah Khan Rokhri died in Islamabad on 29 August 2020 after suffering cardiac arrest. His body was taken to his ancestral village of Rokhri in Mianwali, where his funeral prayers were held. His death was widely reported by Pakistani media, with APP describing him as a renowned Saraiki folk singer and noting the popularity he had earned among Saraiki music listeners.

Shafaullah Khan Rokhri's recordings remain part of the musical heritage of the Saraiki region. Through his songs, recordings and influence on later performers, his work continues to form part of the living tradition of Saraiki folk music.