Pakistan Armed Forces Band

rdf:langString Pakistan Armed Forces Band

rdf:langString The Pakistan Armed Forces Band (Urdu: پاکستان مسلح افواج بینڈ) is a Pakistani musical group which was formed in 1947 in Islamabad. The band immediately played an important role for Pakistani soldiers in providing patriotic support during the Indo-Pakistani Wars of 1965 and 1971. The band's musical traditions are derived in its connections and heritage from the British Empire, as well as Indian musical tradition. The members of the band, who are drawn from the 3 branches of the Pakistan Armed Forces, are frequently the center of attention at military ceremonies and military parades in Pakistan. It is made up of 78 members who are currently led by Major Ghulam Ali (born in 1967 in Chakwal). Protocol activities it participates in include the Pakistan Day Parade and state arrival ceremonies hosted by the President of Pakistan for foreign leaders on state visits to Islamabad. It commonly participates in many international festivals all around the world. When having performed in China and Russia, the band went under the name of the Pakistan Tri-Services Military Band. It has also performed in Turkey in the 1990s with the Turkish Mehter Troop as well as performed during the diamond jubilee celebrations of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah coming to the throne of Brunei in 2006. Other than the National Anthem of Pakistan and official hymns, the band performs national songs such as Jeevay Jeevay Pakistan and Aiy Puttar Hattan Tey Nahin Vikday. A documentary film called Band Baja Aur Pakistan was released in 2017, being the first Pakistani documentary on marching bands, featuring the armed forces band.