Abrar-ul-Haq

Abrar-ul-Haq is a Pakistani singer-songwriter, philanthropist, and former politician.

Early life and education Abrar-ul-Haq was born in Faisalabad, Punjab to a civil servant father, and is the youngest among eight siblings. He belongs to a Punjabi Jat family of the Kahlon clan. His elder brother, Major (r) Israr-ul-Haq Kahlon, is an active politician in Narowal.

He was initially educated at the Junior Model School, Gujrat

Controversies Many of Abrar-ul-Haq's songs have been a subject of controversy in Pakistan. After the release of the hit song Billo De Ghar in 1995, Urdu newspapers began quoting Islamic scholars of Lahore who were of the opinion that the song was describing a man falling in love with a prostitute and wanting to marry her. Upon the formation of Nawaz Sharif's PML-N majority government after the 1997 election, the song was banned from state-owned TV and radio channels.

In the early 2000s, his song Nach Punjaban was met with opposition from those who thought the casual use of the word Punjaban was a demeaning way to address Punjabi women, eventually resulting in Abrar-ul-Haq re-recording a version of the song using the word Majajan instead.

In 2007, the Supreme Court of Pakistan summoned the singer for an explanation of the song Parveen from the album Nara Sada Ishq Aye, alleging that it used the name Parveen in a derogatory manner that would hurt the sentiments of society.

In 2019, his song Chamkeeli was the subject of a claim in a civil court in Lahore, with the courts requesting that the song be banned and removed from YouTube, alleging that it was humiliating and insulting to both men and women.

Philanthropy Sahara for Life Trust Abrar-ul-Haq is the Founder and Chairman of Sahara for Life Trust (SLT), a post he has held since its inception in 1998. SLT is a private organization promoting health and education in remote areas.

Political career Youth Parliament of Pakistan In 2006, he founded the Youth Parliament of Pakistan (YPP), a non-profit, non-political, and non-religious program.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (2011–2023) In December 2011 Abrar-ul-Haq joined Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.

In 2012, he was appointed as President of the Youth Wing of PTI. In 2013, he was appointed as PTI's Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

He ran for a seat on the National Assembly as PTI's Candidate for Constituency NA-117 (Narowal-III) in the 2013 Pakistani general elections receiving 51,359 votes and lost to PML-N's Ahsan Iqbal.

He was again nominated as PTI's Candidate for National Assembly Constituency NA-78 (Narowal-II) for the 2018 Pakistani general elections but received 88,250 votes and lost to PML-N's Ahsan Iqbal.

In 2023, he left the PTI emotionally, and quit politics following the controversy surrounding the May 9 riots.

Personal life Abrar has been married to his wife Hareem since 2005, together they have a son named Taha, who is a graphic designer.

Abrar's brother Israr is a retired army major.

Discography

Albums

Studio releases

Honours and recognition Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (Medal of Excellence) received from the President of Pakistan on 23 March 2005, for public service / music / philanthropy. Sitara-e-Eisaar received from the President of Pakistan on 30 June 2006, for outstanding humanitarian relief work during the 8 October 2005 devastating earthquake in Pakistan. Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) – Appointed Humanitarian Ambassador of the OIC on 11 January 2011.

Awards YearAwardCategoryAward ceremonyResult 2000 PTV Awards Folk singer PTV World 2002 Lux Style Award Best Singer 2002 Best Singer 1st Lux Style Awards 2003 Lux Style Award Best Singer 2003 2nd Lux Style Awards 2004 PTV Awards Six years consecutive award holder for best pop singer PTV Home 2018 Lux Style Award Best Dress Male Best Dress (Male) 17th Lux Style Awards