01/05/2026
Zard patton ka ban
سرمایہ و محنت میں ہے یہ کیسا خروش ”
Allama Iqbal’s misra carries a timeless relevance—it speaks as powerfully to the past as it does to the present, and will likely continue to echo into the future. At its heart, the line is not merely a statement but a probing question: why does this persistent tension between capital and labour endure?
This confrontation appears almost perpetual. On one side stands a force driven by human greed—ambition that seeks accumulation, influence, and control. On the other side is a force animated by the pursuit of justice—people striving for fairness, dignity, and equitable distribution. The reason this struggle does not fade is simple yet profound: human greed is unlikely to disappear, just as the desire for justice remains deeply rooted in human nature.
Those driven by wealth and self-interest often secure the support of power structures. With their resources, they build alliances, shape institutions, and reinforce their position—despite being a minority. In contrast, those who seek justice typically represent the larger segment of society. Their strength lies in numbers, but not always in influence.
Moral and spiritual traditions are alignied with the cause of justice. While these interpretations may vary, the ethical core of divine teachings tends to favour those who struggle for fairness and collective well-being.
For this very reason, May Day can never lose its significance. As long as the tension between power and justice endures, the day will continue to stand as a reminder of struggle, resilience, and the enduring demand for dignity in labour. It is not merely a date on the calendar, but a living symbol of an unfinished journey.
I, too, find myself aligned with those who strive for justice. May Day is the day of the people who seek justice. This day, therefore, remained close to my heart over the years. In 1975, I composed a piece as part of the album “Nayyara Sings Faiz”. The piece found a new life later when it was re-recorded for Pakistan Television Corporation, featuring both Nayyara Noor and myself. The visual interpretation of this version was created by my colleague Khadeeja Imtiaz at SMB Studios.
In sharing this, I am not only revisiting a past creation but also reaffirming a belief—that art, in all its forms, has to be political and it remains a powerful voice for those who continue to seek justice.
Arshad Mahmud
MoUSICi
8 likes, 3 comments. "Zard Patton Ka Ban | Faiz Ahmed Fazi | Arshad Mahmud | Nayyara Noor"
