KARACHI: Jamiluddin Aali, one of the most popular poets in the country with numerous national songs, Dohay and Ghazals to his credit, passed away on Monday at the age of 90.

Suffering from different age-related health conditions, he was leading almost a secluded life for quite some time and died on Monday afternoon.

Aali, formally known as Mirza Jamiluddin Ahmed Khan, was born on January 20, 1926 in Delhi. He was also a known columnist and writer who while trying hard in politics joined Pakistan Peoples Party in 1970s but parted his ways in later years.

Aali did not only pen “Jeeway Jeeway Pakistan” that has arguably assumed a status equivalent to the national anthem and due to its simple words is all time favorite for many of the local singers but numerous other lyrics ranging from ‘Aaye Watan Kay Sajeelay Jawano’ to ‘Hum Mustavawi Mustawavi Hain’ and so-forth won him a place in the hearts of the entire nation.

He last served as the President of Anjuman-e-Tarraqi-e-Urdu, a non-government organisation working for the promotion of Urdu literature, founded by Baba-e-Urdu, Moulvi Abdul Haq.

Jamiluddin Aali was bestowed with numerous awards including Hilal-e-Imtiaz (2004); Pride of Performance (1991); United Bank Literary Award (1965); Habib Bank Literary Award (1965); Dawood Literary Award (1963) and Adamjee Literary Award (1960).

Collection of his columns published in local dailies includes Aye Mere Dasht-e-Sukhan, besides several collection of his Ghazlain, Dohay, Geet. Aali’s popular travelogues include Duniya Mere Aagye; Tamasha Mere Aagye; Iceland and so-forth. He leaves behind three sons and two daughters.—APP