Nazia Hassan Foundation

Muniza and Basir Hassan and Zoheb Hassan, the parents and brother of singing sensation the late Nazia Hassan, officially launched a foundation in memory of the singer who along with brother Zoheb was the pioneer of Pop and Disco music on the Indian sub-continent. Nazia Hassan is best remembered for her hit song 'Aap Jaisa Koi'.

The Nazia Hassan Foundation has been established by Nazia's parents, Basir & Muniza in continuation of her life long charitable and social efforts to make the world a better place to live in for all irrespective of colour, creed or religion. To care beyond boundaries.

Nazia Hassan with her first song at only thirteen became a superstar and household name with Asians around the world. With her successive international hits she not only introduced a new style of music but gage a new perspective to sub-continental culture. In her musical career she earned 4 double platinum, 5 platinum and 15 Gold Discs from companies such as EMI International, CBS International, Polygram and the Filmfare Best Singer Award in 1981. To date the worldwide sale of her cassettes has exceeded 35 million units.

Using almost 'cult status' she earned in the music world Nazia pursued what she wanted the most, social work.

Supported by the Ministry of Interior & Narcotics control she formed an NGO knows and BAN to help combat drug addiction in Pakistan and later worked with UNICEF on various child welfare projects in Pakistan. She was also an active member of social organizations such as The Voice of Women, National Youth Council, Business and Professional Women, The Rotary Club, The 300 Club (UK) and Inner Wheel Club for Disabled Children etc.

Millions of Asians around the world struck with disbelief mourned when they heard the news that Nazia had succumbed to her illness. Nazia passed away on August 13th 2000 in a London hospital leaving behind a three year old son.

Soon after, as an acknowledgement of the outstanding contributions and achievements of this talented individual, the Government of Pakistan has conferred upon Nazia Hassan the highest civil award Pride of Performance. The award was presented to Mrs. Muniza Basir, mother of Nazia Hassan by the President of Pakistan General Pervez Musharraf Sahib in an official ceremony held at Islamabad on 23rd March 2002.