The Islamic Republic of Pakistan has a rich and diverse musical culture. It is located in the northwestern corner of the Indian Subcontinent, and therefore its music has not only been influenced by Hindusutha of North India, but from Iran and Afghanistan as well. Pakistan can be broken up into four separate provinces: Punjab, Sindh, Northwest Frontier, and Balochista. Each of these provinces has its own regional musical traditions and customs, while at the same time all the provinces are surrounded by the national musical traditions, "The Great Tradition1." Throughout Pakistan, the chanting and hymnals of Islam are also very important to the musical identity of the country, however they play a different role than one would assume.
             Pakistan was established in 1947, as West and East Pakistan, and created out of Northern India where the Muslim majority was firmly rooted2. As in most in most countries, Pakistan draws influence from class distinction, ethnic differences, and religious heritage. Pakistan has been deeply influenced by North India, while each providence had its own unique musical identity. In its fledgling state, Pakistan groped for a national identity to which its populace could rally around. In the eyes of many, "The Great Tradition" of Pakistan needed to merge with the "little traditions" of each providence to gain its cultural identity. This "Great Tradition" grew out of the Muslim cultural centers of India, before the secession, and continued to be played and perpetuated in Pakistan's future3. Another influence of the music culture of Pakistan is the fact that many poets and musicians came from the north, Iran and Afghanistan, with their own distinct music. Shortly after the es!
             tablishment of Pakistan as a country, Radio Pakistan was created to strengthen national music, as well as its national identity. The majority of music broadcasted was "classic...