Attaullah Esakhelvi praises Imran Khan, struggles to name even three qualities

Veteran Pakistani folk singer Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi has sparked online attention after speaking in unusually warm terms about former Prime Minister Imran Khan during a YouTube interview with journalist Irshad Bhatti.

During the conversation, the singer reflected on his past interactions and public observations of Imran Khan, saying he was repeatedly struck by the level of public support and admiration the former premier received wherever he went.

He recalled seeing large crowds and strong emotional responses, describing how people appeared deeply connected to him, often showing overwhelming support and trust.

When asked to name three qualities of Imran Khan, Attaullah said the question itself felt limiting, suggesting that he found it difficult to reduce his impressions to just a few traits.

Pressed further, he eventually described him as a “beautiful person,” noting that his overall impression had been consistently positive.

When the interviewer pushed him to mention flaws, the singer responded that he had personally not observed any.

Attaullah Esakhelvi is one of Pakistan’s most recognised folk voices, known for his extensive body of work in Saraiki and Punjabi music, and has had a long association with political and patriotic music, including songs linked to PTI campaigns.

His remarks have since circulated widely online, adding to ongoing public discourse around Imran Khan and celebrity political commentary.