Fans of 90s and early 2000s Pakistani pop music are in for a nostalgic treat. Ali Haider — known for the timeless hit Purani Jeans — and Ali Zafar — the voice behind chart-toppers like Channo and Chal Dil Mere — have teamed up to recreate Haider’s 1994 classic Zalim Nazron Se. The track marks the first release from Zafar’s highly anticipated studio album, his first in 15 years.
The original version of Zalim Nazron Se was sung by ghazal artist Jawaid Akhtar in 1979, with lyrics by Roshan Naginavi. Reviving this decades-old piece is part of Zafar’s mission to bridge Pakistan’s musical legacy with today’s younger listeners.
Ali Haider shared that the idea came from Zafar himself. “Recreating this classic with Ali Zafar was truly special. The moment I heard it, I knew we could create something beautiful together,” he said.
Zafar praised Haider as “an icon who shaped the soundtrack of our youth,” adding that collaborating on the song was both an honour and a joy.
The music video brings back the golden era of Pakistani pop — complete with polished production, flashy cars, energetic dancers, and stylish close-up shots of both artists. It feels like a modern tribute to a vintage vibe.
While the exact release date of Zafar’s album remains under wraps, he hinted on Instagram to “circle the 20th of December,” suggesting fans won’t have to wait much longer.
