Who was Junaid Jamshed?
Junaid Jamshed was a popular Pakistani recording artist and television personality who, with a background in the music industry, decided to turn his life around to focus on religious activities and reciting nasheeds (or naats), a form of Islamic devotional poetry and songs.
Born September 3rd, 1964, Jamshed shot to stardom and became a household name as the lead singer of Vital Signs, a Pakistani pop and rock band. Some years later, the band members went their separate ways, with Jamshed launching his own solo career. However, in 2004, he announced that he was to quit his career, opting to focus on religion and preaching on TV.
A changed man
After his announcement, his appearance changed drastically, ditching the leather jackets for traditional attire and a full length beard. With this, he also launched his own fashion brand of Muslim clothing which garnered interest from the Pakistani population.
Further to this, Jamshed received the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (Medal of Excellence) from the then President for his services to the nation, and is generally seen favourably be the people of Pakistan, and across the globe.
Here is some of the work he has been famed for:
[youtube id=”_MwfNB9V6nE”]Controversy
In 2014, the Pakistani police initiated an investigation over comments Jamshed had made which they believed to be blasphemous. During a talk with a small group, he teasingly mocked Aisha, one of the wives of Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) when explaining his thoughts on the frailty of women.
While angering many women with his offish dismissal of women, it was the Sunni Tehreek, a national group of clerics, who called for his arrest. As such, he issued an apology on his Facebook page, saying:
“Because of ignorance, lack of knowledge and naivety I said some extremely inappropriate sentences about the mother of the Muslim nation. I beseech you, I beg you like a beggar, to forgive me.”
Though this wasn’t enough for the Tehreek group, all charges were dropped against him.
PIA Flight
This morning, a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) jet heading to Islamadbad from Chitral crashed near Havelian, moments after it disappeared from the radar. There were 40 passengers on board the flight, including Jamshed and other members of his family.
The Pakistan airport Twitter account has confirmed the crash, releasing the names of those on board and providing a number by which people can get in contact with them for further information.
https://twitter.com/AirportPakistan/status/806474867620990977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Rescue teams from the Pakistan Army have since reached the crash site and are in the process of finding and rescuing any possible survivors. Fans of the artist have been quick to respond and have expressed their concerns over him. While his own brother has confirmed that he was indeed on board the flight, many are still praying for his well-being.
Here is what the Twittersphere has to say after hearing the news:
Junaid Jamshed Was A Great Muslim.
He Work For Humanity.
May Allah His Soul Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/SeXEh4JP4j— Saima #GLADIATOR (@Iam_Gladiator) December 7, 2016
My heart goes out to the families whose loved ones were lost. May Allah make it easy. Let's say Fatiha for all & sp Junaid Jamshed bhai RIP
— Shoaib Malik 🇵🇰 (@realshoaibmalik) December 7, 2016
More than anything Junaid Jamshed was an intense Pakistani, recently called to say that he wants to commit himself to clean Karachi campaign
— Kamran Khan (@AajKamranKhan) December 7, 2016
I am saddened by news of the death of #JunaidJamshed and his wife in a #PIA plane crash. May the Almigjty grant ease to all in the tragedy.
— 𝕄𝕦𝕗𝕥𝕚 𝕄𝕖𝕟𝕜 (@muftimenk) December 7, 2016
Junaid Jamshed's journey was so quintessentially Pakistani. Conflicted, passionate, devoted, ubersmart, and so, so talented. Tragic loss.
— Mosharraf Zaidi (@mosharrafzaidi) December 7, 2016
