Renowned Pashto Singer Haji Gulraiz Tabassum Passes Away After Prolonged Illness

PESHAWAR, Pakistan: Renowned Pashto singer Haji Gulraiz Tabassum, celebrated for his contribution to Pashto music and stage performances, has passed away after a prolonged illness, leaving fans and the Pashto entertainment industry mourning the loss of a respected artist.

News of his death was reported on October 28, 2026, with reports stating that his funeral prayers were held the previous night in Kakakhel Town No. 1, along Ring Road in Peshawar. He was subsequently laid to rest in his ancestral graveyard.

Gulraiz Tabassum was widely recognised for his distinctive singing style and his contribution to Pashto music over several decades. He became a familiar name through his performances of Pashto film songs, ghazals and traditional folk music, while his stage appearances helped him build a lasting connection with audiences.

Among the songs associated with his musical career are “Za Pa Bara Zama” and “Da Soor Salona.” He was also known for performing traditional Pashto tappay, a form of folk poetry deeply rooted in Pashtun culture.

Throughout his career, Tabassum helped preserve and promote Pashto musical traditions through recordings and live performances. His work made him a recognised figure among music lovers, particularly those who appreciated traditional Pashto singing and stage entertainment.

In recent years, he had largely remained away from active show business, according to local media reports. However, his contribution to the cultural life of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continued to be remembered by admirers of Pashto music.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi expressed grief over the singer’s death and extended condolences to his family. In his message, the governor said Pashto music had lost a distinguished artist whose services would be remembered. He also prayed for the forgiveness of the deceased and patience for his bereaved family.

Provincial Information Adviser Samar Haroon Bilour also expressed sorrow over his passing. She paid tribute to Tabassum’s longstanding contribution to Pashto music, noting that he had devoted approximately five decades of his life to the field. Reports also described him as a recipient of the Pride of Performance award.

Tabassum was the son of Mahabat Khan. Reports named Faiz Tabassum, Bakhtiyar, Baroz, Jahanzeb, Sameer and Kamal among his surviving family members.

His death marks a significant loss for Pashto music and the cultural community of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. For generations of listeners, his voice and performances formed part of the region’s musical heritage.

As condolences continue to reach his family, admirers will remember Haji Gulraiz Tabassum for his years of service to Pashto music and his place in the province’s entertainment history.