Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi (born Attaullah Khan Niazi on 19 August 1951) is one of the most iconic and commercially successful folk singers in Pakistan’s history, celebrated for bringing Saraiki and Punjabi folk music to mainstream national and international audiences. He was born in Isakhel, in the Mianwali District of Punjab, and his stage name reflects his hometown.
Over a career spanning more than four decades, Esakhelvi has recorded more than 50,000 songs across seven languages, an output that places him among the most prolific recording artists in South Asian music history. His deeply emotive, raspy vocal style and heartfelt renditions of love, longing and heartbreak earned him the title “King of Folk” among fans across Pakistan, India and the Pakistani diaspora.
attaullah khan esakhelvi introduced Saraiki folk music to a new generation through television and concert performances, and in 2011 he appeared on the celebrated music show Coke Studio (Season 4), performing “Ni Oothaan Waale” and “Pyaar Naal” alongside contemporary artists. He returned to Coke Studio in its tenth season (2017) with “Sab Maya Hai,” performed with his traditional band, introducing his classic sound to younger listeners.
In recognition of his enormous contribution to Pakistani music, the Government of Pakistan honoured him with the Pride of Performance Award in 1991 and the Sitara-e-Imtiaz, one of Pakistan’s highest civil awards, on 23 March 2019. He has also received a lifetime achievement honour recognized by Queen Elizabeth II in the United Kingdom, reflecting his popularity among the South Asian diaspora abroad.
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