Maulana Tariq Jamil has revealed an emotional confession from his meeting with late singer Junaid Jamshed, recalling how the star admitted that despite having fame, success and everything he had once dreamed of, he still felt empty inside.
Speaking during a podcast with Dr Muhammad Affan Qaiser, Maulana Tariq Jamil reflected on Junaid Jamshed's transformation from one of Pakistan's biggest pop stars into a respected religious figure. He recalled meeting Junaid when the singer was at the height of his popularity and described him as a successful and charismatic star who appeared to have everything.
However, Tariq Jamil said Junaid surprised him during their first conversation by opening up about his personal struggles. According to the scholar, Junaid said that although he had achieved the glamour and success many people dreamed of, he still felt empty and directionless. He reportedly compared himself to a boat with no destination despite having achieved tremendous success in his career.
Recalling that conversation, Tariq Jamil said he told Junaid that he was searching for peace in the wrong place and encouraged him to explore faith instead of seeking fulfilment through fame. Using a medicine analogy, he explained that healing begins with taking the necessary step rather than waiting to become healthy first.
Tariq Jamil recalled that Junaid eventually joined the Tabligh movement in 2002 and experienced a deep sense of peace during his first journey. He also shared a lighter memory from a trip to Makkah, when Junaid sang a new naat melody and was amused after Tariq Jamil pointed out that its tune resembled an old Bollywood song. The singer reportedly joked that Tariq Jamil was the first person to notice it.
Describing himself as a means through which Allah guided Junaid, Tariq Jamil said the singer's transformation was a deeply personal journey. Junaid later became widely known for his naats and religious work before his death in the 2016 PIA plane crash near Abbottabad.
Tariq Jamil's recollection offers a glimpse into the personal struggle behind one of the most significant transformations in Junaid Jamshed's life. From a celebrated pop star to a prominent religious voice, Junaid's journey remains an important part of his legacy.