Qasim Shah reveals memories of Junaid Jamshed friendship

Renowned former military officer and actor Colonel (retd) Qasim Shah has opened up about his close friendship with legendary singer and naat reciter Junaid Jamshed, while recalling the shock and grief he experienced following his sudden death.

Qasim Shah became widely recognised for his appearances in popular Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) dramas, including Sunehray Din and Alpha Bravo Charlie. He appeared in Sunehray Din during his time as a cadet at the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA). He later went on to serve in the Pakistan Army for more than 25 years before retiring from the military at the rank of colonel.

In a recent appearance on a programme, Qasim Shah spoke candidly about his long-standing relationship with Junaid Jamshed and shared memories of the bond they developed over the years.

Reflecting on Junaid Jamshed’s death, Qasim Shah described the tragedy as an extremely painful moment in his life. He recalled being unable to believe the news when he first heard that the singer had died.

According to Qasim Shah, his friendship with Junaid was much deeper than a casual association. The two remained in regular contact and frequently spoke to each other over the phone. They also met whenever their schedules allowed, with Junaid often taking the initiative to call him or visit him personally.

Qasim Shah said the singer’s warm and friendly nature made their relationship particularly meaningful. Despite their different professional backgrounds, the two maintained a strong connection and continued to stay in touch over the years.

The former army officer also revealed that he and Junaid Jamshed had discussed working together on a business venture. The pair had planned to launch a brand together and had even considered turning the idea into a practical project. However, the plan could not materialise due to circumstances, leaving it as one of the many things they had hoped to accomplish together.

Speaking about the public’s awareness of their friendship, Qasim Shah said that many people knew about the close relationship he shared with Junaid. As a result, when news of Junaid’s death spread, several people personally came to Qasim Shah to offer their condolences.

Junaid Jamshed died in a plane crash in December 2016 while travelling from Chitral to Islamabad. His death shocked millions of fans across Pakistan and beyond. Known initially as the lead vocalist of the iconic Pakistani pop band Vital Signs, Junaid later underwent a major transformation in his life and became widely recognised for his religious work, particularly his naats and Islamic teachings.

For Qasim Shah, however, Junaid’s death was not simply the loss of a celebrated public figure. It was the sudden loss of a close friend with whom he had shared years of conversations, meetings and future plans.

Looking back, Qasim Shah’s recollections offer a personal glimpse into the lesser-known side of Junaid Jamshed. Beyond his fame as a singer and religious personality, he was remembered by his close friends as someone who valued personal relationships and made an effort to remain connected with the people he cared about.

Qasim Shah’s emotional account also highlights the lasting impact Junaid’s untimely death had on those who knew him personally. Nearly a decade after the tragic accident, memories of their friendship continue to hold a special place in Qasim Shah’s life.