Ghazala Javed

Ghazala Javed was a Pashtun playback singer who rose to prominence within the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. She gained significant popularity among young and progressive ethnic Pashtuns across Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Early life and education

Ghazala Javed was born on 1 January 1988 in the Swat Valley of Pakistan. Her early years were disrupted by regional instability as the Pakistani Taliban strengthened their grip on the area during late 2007. Because of this rising violence, she and her family fled to Peshawar to find safety. This relocation proved to be a turning point for her future. She eventually began her singing career after settling in the city.

Career

Javed entered the music industry in 2004. She recorded early songs such as 'Baran dy Baran dy' and 'Lag Rasha Kana'. As she progressed, she sang more melodious tracks that reached the Pashtun diaspora worldwide. Her discography includes several major releases, such as Ghazala Javed Vol.1 in 2009 and Ghazala Javed Vol.2 in 2010. She also released 'Raza Che Rogha Okro' in 2010 and 'Zo Spogmaii Yum' in 2011.

The singer became a major star in international venues. She performed at stage shows in both Dubai and Kabul. For each wedding performance, she earned between $12,000 and $15,000. According to Radio Kabul director Abdul Ghani Mudaqiq, she was the most requested Pashto singer in Kabul. He reported that she received higher pay than any other male or female Pashtun artist in the city.

Her music earned widespread acclaim through various tracks. Songs like 'Za lewaney da mena' and 'Kho leg rasha rasha kana' received positive reviews from listeners. She also released 'Best Of Ghazala Javed' in 2011. Her final recorded performance was the Zhwandon TV concert in Afghanistan in 2012.

Personal life

On 7 February 2010, Javed married Jehangir Khan, who worked as a property dealer in Peshawar. She later discovered that her husband was already married to someone else. Following this discovery, she separated from him and returned to live with her parents in November 2010. She filed for divorce at a civil court in Swat on 12 October 2011. The court ruled in her favour on 4 December 2011.

Tragedy struck on 18 June 2012 when gunmen on a motorcycle killed Javed and her father in a drive-by shooting. On 16 December 2013, the Swat District and Sessions Court found Jehangir Khan guilty of these murders. The court awarded him two death sentences and a fine of Rs 70 million. However, the Peshawar High Court set aside this sentence on 22 May 2014. This decision followed a compromise between Jehangir Khan and the heirs of the victims.

Awards and recognition

Javed achieved several honors during her professional life. She received a nomination for a Filmfare Award in 2010. Additionally, she was presented with a Khyber Award in 2011.