‘Lahore Lahore Aye’ singer Tariq Tafu dies after sudden cardiac arrest

Renowned Pakistani singer and musician Tariq Tafu has passed away at the age of 58, leaving the country’s music fraternity in mourning.

Tariq Tafu – best known for his iconic song Lahore Lahore Aye – died in Lahore on Monday, June 22, after suffering a sudden and severe stomach ache.

According to his family, his condition deteriorated rapidly and he was rushed to a private hospital, where he suffered a cardiac arrest during treatment. Doctors were unable to save him.He is survived by his wife, a son and two daughters.

Tariq rose to fame with his 2004 hit Lahore Lahore Aye, which became one of Pakistan’s most celebrated cultural anthems and played a significant role in promoting Lahore’s cultural identity and regional tourism. The song became synonymous with the singer and established him as a household name.

Born into a prominent musical family, Tariq was the son of legendary composer and tabla maestro Ustad Tafu Khan, who died in October 2024. His brother, Ustad Wajid Tafu, is also a renowned composer and tabla player.

Through marriage, he was connected to another illustrious musical family, with legendary ghazal singer Ustad Ghulam Ali as his father-in-law and singer Shabnam Majeed as his brother-in-law.

In recognition of his contributions to Pakistani music and culture, he was awarded the Pride of Pakistan shield in late 2025.

His death came just a day after his final Facebook post, in which he paid tribute to his late father on Father’s Day.