From uniform to amplifier: Ex-army officer pioneers Urdu hard rock in Pakistan

Lahore: Former Pakistan Army officer and Government College University Lahore alumnus is now set to etch his name among GCU’s illustrious list of changemakers with the release of Pakistan’s first-ever Urdu Hard Rock track, titled “Ye Karam”.

After serving the nation through military and United Nations peacekeeping roles, the artist’s journey from army boots to musical boots is as dynamic as it is inspiring.

Commissioned from the 115 Long Course at Pakistan Military Academy and serving as a Company Sergeant Major (CSM) of Tariq Company, he was later deployed to Sudan on a UNMIS mission, where he served as Media Officer. Beyond capturing official moments, he took the stage as an artist and host—an early glimpse of the creative spark that would later define his second act.

Following an early retirement in 2010, he began his civilian journey as a radio jockey at Mast FM 103, before fully embracing the world of music in 2015. Over the years, he experimented across genres from pop and Sufi to classical and rock—but it is in Hard Rock that he found his true voice.

With “Ye Karam”, he pioneers a new path in Pakistani music, blending raw rock energy with the depth of Urdu lyrics. The track stands not only as a musical milestone but a cultural first—positioning itself as a reference point for all future Urdu Hard Rock productions.

“Ye Karam” marks more than just a song—it is a statement from an artist who has worn many uniforms, and now wears the badge of a creative revolutionary.