Once the lights dimmed at the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, the atmosphere ignited with nostalgia as Sajjad Ali took the stage in the final leg of the city’s World Culture Festival.
Thousands gathered to relive the golden era of 90s Pakistani pop, with the singer belting out hits like “Har Zulm Tera Yaad Hai”, “Yaad To Aati Hogi”, “Ravi”, “Mahiwal” and “Dheere Dheere Aa Badal”.
When the fans called out for more, Sajjad Ali returned with fan-favourites such as “Chief Saab” and “Cinderella”, turning the night into a full-blown musical celebration.
Onstage, he expressed pride in his roots: “I am Pakistani, I love Pakistan, and this country has given me respect.” He also remarked that while people had once told him his songs didn’t fit current trends, his belief was: “An artist creates trends, not chases them.”
A celebrated name in Pakistani music, Sajjad Ali blends classical roots with pop influences and continues to connect with both long-time fans and a younger generation.