LAHORE - From a pop star to a religious scholar and preacher the journey was not so easy for Juniad Jamshed. He was often criticised and revered by media at the same time. Now all that will end for good. Fifty-two-year-old Junaid Jamshed is no more. He died in a plane crash when he was coming back from Chitral to Islamabad at 4:30 pm yesterday.
He along with his wife was on board PIA flight PK-661. The plane crashed 10 minutes before landing time in Havelian area of Abbottabad. The news of his death sent shock waves among his fans following that runs into millions across the globe.
After ending his career as a pop star Junaid became a successful businessman dealing in men’s wear (popular brand J) and perfumes. His tribute to cricket legend Wasim Akram was a perfume by his name and number 414, the number of wickets that he took in test cricket. His passion, however, was preaching Islam and explaining its true spirit and meaning of its teachings to people. He was one of the most successful TV anchors during Ramazan transmission.
Junaid graduated from University of Engineering and Technology Lahore and for a short period worked as a civilian contractor and engineer for Pakistan Air Force. He rose to fame when he worked with Rohail Hyatt in 1983 that led to pop music group Vital Signs. He came up with a number of hit songs that made him a household name. His hit songs included Dil Dil Pakistan, Sanwali Saloni, Yeh Sham, Aitbar, Tum Dour Thay, Keh Do Jo Bhi, Tumhara Aur Mera Naam and Na Tu Aai Gee. It was in 1994 when Junaid Jamshed released his debut solo album Junaid of Vital Signs, which was an instant hit. The successful albums followed with Us Rah Par (1999) and Dil Ki Baat (2002). In 2004 his fans were left in shock when he suddenly announced end of his singing career. He launched a naat album Jalwa-e-Janan next year in 2005 which was followed by Mehboob-e-Yazdaan in 2006, Badr-ud-Duja in 2008, and Badee-uz-Zaman in 2009.
Recently the celebrity posted photographs on his official Facebook page, Junaid Jamshed and twitter handle while he was in Chitral with his family and friends. Junaid posted on his twitter handle that “Heaven on Earth Chitral. With my friends in the Path of Allah. Snow-packed Tirchmir right behind us.” Reportedly Junaid was on preaching tour in Chitral.
Junaid’s death shocked the nation especially those related to music industry and religious bent of mind.
Singer Fakhir Mehmood told The Nation that Junaid’s untimely and unfortunate death was a great loss for the nation. “Wherever Junaid served, he served wholeheartedly. He was the man who laid down the foundation of Pakistan’s pop music industry and his contributions will be remembered for long.
“Most importantly he used his iconic personality for the betterment of humanity and did a lot of charity work. He was a straightforward person. I never saw him indulging in backbiting about anyone,” he said.
Call The Band’s lead singer Junaid Khan said the plane crash was a tragedy which took 48 precious lives including that of Junaid. “We should not take this matter lightly; the national airline should give a reasonable answer to such a huge tragedy. “There is need to recheck all aircraft being operated by PIA. An inquiry should be held. Junaid and other passengers lost their lives just because of some technical fault in aircraft. Junaid’s services and contributions would not be forgotten in any case. He was good artiste and a great human being,” Junaid Khan said.
Musician Uzair Altaf tweeted, “On December 7, we lost the voice of our generation.” Designer Nomi Ansari said in a tweet that death of Junaid Jamshed was end of an era.