Hopefully while looking back at the quarantine in a (hopefully) better future, one of the uplifting moments to remember and cherish forever would be Farida Khanum, singing the iconic ghazal Aaj Jaane Ki Zidd Na Karo on fellow-Pakistani singer-writer Ali Sethiâs live jamming sessions on Instagram.

View this post on InstagramHere is a full video from our historic session yesterday. If thereâs anything we can learn in this difficult time, let it be the value of cooperation across borders. LOVE CONQUERS ALL â¥ï¸â¥ï¸â¥ï¸ A very special thanks to Faridajiâs genius granddaughter @mehrunnisaiamin for setting this up, and to @anthonysoshil and @bhangusayeen for making the video #alisethi #rekhabhardwaj #vishalbhardwaj #faridakhanum #india #pakistan #lockdown #coronavirus #music #collaborationA post shared by (@alisethiofficial)

Soon joined by Indian talents such as Shilpa Rao and Rekha Bhardwaj, Sethiâs Instagram has turned into a truly beautiful cross-country exchange of culture and incredible talent - although someone has to, of course, rain on everyoneâs parade sooner or later.

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) released a letter on Sunday addressed to all Indian musicians, singers, artistes and technicians drawing their attention to the total non-cooperation directive issued in the wake of Uri attack of 2016, whereby they had been advised not âto work in any manner whatsoever with Pakistani artistes, singers and technicians.â

Without taking any names, the FWICE release specifically cited the collaboration of some Indian artistes with Pakistani musician Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, referring to the collaborations âblatant violationsâ.

Naturally, while there exists a definite political and military rivalry between both nations, creative and cultural bonds between both nations remain strong, and ever since the partition, Indians and Pakistanis alike have not just enjoyed each otherâs artists, but seen those artists collaborate for some truly memorable performances. Here are some of the greatest in Indo-Pak music history.

1. Nazia Hassan, Biddu - Aap Jaisa Koi

This incredible 1980 classic didnât just launch Naziaâs career in Bollywood, it also revolutionized the scene for pop music in the 80s by bringing together Indian music direction and Pakistani singing talent on a fresh new platform.

2. Jaideep Sahni, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan - O Re Piya

Another incredible sufi-inspired track from 2007âs Aaja Nachle soundtrack, this one has really stood the test of time as one of Ustad Khanâs best romantic songs.

3. Shilpa Rao, Noori - Paar Chanaa De

Lahori rock band Noori has been making hits ever since 1996, but 20 years on they collaborated with songstress Shilpa Rao for an unforgettable Coke Studio performance - complete with some of the best lyrics to feature on Season 9âs lineup.

4. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Shafqat Amanat Ali - Mitwa

Another incredible track that all you KJo fans probably know by heart, this is perhaps the most famous of Shafqatâs collaborations with Bollywood composers - followed by many incredible tracks that saw him work with composers such as Pritam, Sajid-Wajid and Vishal-Shehkar.

5. Zeb Bangash, Amit Trivedi - Haminastu

Combining Pashto and Urdu along with some brilliant Kashmiri tunes using the santoor and rabab, Amit Trivediâs genius met the perfect match in Zebâs incredible voice - one weâve heard before in films such as Madras Cafe and Highway.

6. Ali Zafar, Arjit Singh - Tu Hi Hai

Composed once again by Trivedi, this track saw both Ali Zafar and Arjit Singh record unique versions alongside each other - giving beautiful song treatments from either side of the border.

7. Atif Aslam, Sachin-Jigar - Hoor

In a rare collab with Mumbaikar composer duo Sachin-Jigar, Pakistani crooner Atif Aslam lends his incredible voice to another Indo-Pak pairing onscreen with Saba Qamar and Irrfan Khan - looks like it isnât just music, but movies too which prove that at least for artists, being from nations-at-odds isnât a dealbreaker.

Are there any Pakistani singers you love listening to? Share some songs with us in the comments!

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