Falak Shabir. photo:file
Singer Falak Shabir has thrown his weight behind emerging musicians, offering unconditional permission for contestants of the musical reality show ‘Pakistan Idol’ to perform his songs — a gesture seen as a symbolic stand for creative freedom in the country’s entertainment industry.
The announcement followed veteran singer Sajjad Ali’s public criticism of the show’s organisers, whom he accused of failing to acquire rights to perform his songs and those of other artists.
Speaking at a press conference in Canada, Sajjad Ali had said that many contestants wanted to sing his hits but were legally barred due to unresolved licensing agreements. He added that anyone performing his songs could potentially ‘win great praise and maybe even the competition itself’, yet organisers had not finalised a financial deal with him.
Under Pakistan’s Copyright Ordinance of 1962, musicians retain exclusive rights to their work, which can only be performed or reproduced with permission or under licensing arrangements.
Sajjad Ali said the show’s limited song library made performances repetitive, blaming the organisers for relying heavily on tracks licensed through EMI Records — which holds rights to classics by Noor Jehan, Mehdi Hassan, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, and pop acts such as Strings and Vital Signs.
While Sajjad’s stance was legally sound, it drew sharp criticism from fans and industry observers who argued that senior artists should be more supportive of platforms aimed at discovering new voices. Some said that ‘Pakistan Idol’, revived after a long hiatus, offered rare exposure for emerging singers and should be encouraged rather than restricted.Amid this debate, Falak Shabir took a contrasting approach. In a statement released on Tuesday, he said he would not only allow contestants to perform his songs freely but would also support the judges and participants throughout the show.
“If my songs can help young artists find their voice and represent Pakistan internationally, then that is what matters most,” he said. “New talent will make our country proud, and as artists, it’s our duty to lift them, not limit them.”
Industry insiders see Falak’s gesture as a refreshing counterpoint to long-standing disputes over royalties and performance rights that have often pitted older and younger musicians against each other. His comments also highlight the growing conversation about how copyright enforcement should coexist with cultural promotion in Pakistan’s evolving music scene.
