Inside Farhan Saeed’s world and debut album 'Khat'

Stepping into Farhan Saeed’s lit studio felt like entering the heart of his creative universe. After more than two decades of making music that defined an era for millions of listeners across Pakistan and beyond, Farhan, known for his iconic journey with Jal and unforgettable hits like Pee Jaun, Halka Halka Suroor and Roiyaan, Farhan, in this episode of The GuestList shared his most personal project yet: his debut solo album, Khat.

For Farhan, Khat isn’t just an album—it’s a confession, an ode, and a conversation 21 years in the making. “It’s from me to you, from my heart,” he says in an Instagram post, reflecting on the idea that despite changing times, his message to listeners has remained constant. The title track, deeply poetic, anchors the album and resonates with the person he has become.

Cover photo of album 'Khat'.Courtesy: Instagram/@farhan_saeed

The journey to Khat has been long and layered. After leaving Jal in 2011, Farhan recorded nearly nine songs for an album that never saw the light of day. For a time, he adapted to the new reality, releasing individual tracks with music videos. Yet the desire to create something cohesive never left him. As the music industry shifted from cassettes to singles, the album format faded. But with the return of albums globally, Farhan saw the perfect opportunity to bring back something he deeply valued and tell a complete story.

“I know what an album means,” he emphasised—its emotional arc, its storytelling depth, its ability to hold memories and meanings beyond a single hit. Over the past year and a half, he wrote, selected, and shaped ten tracks that now form Khat.

He further shared that the visual identity of the album is equally personal and perhaps the most fascinating part of Khat. An intricate, hand-painted piece filled with hidden symbols from Farhan’s life. Created by Islamabad-based artist Umair Fayyaz, the piece is filled with timestamps, song titles, and even a small self-portrait of Farhan as an eight-year-old dreaming of becoming a singer. “No one has ever done an album cover like this,” he said proudly. He also added that ever since the birth of his daughter Jahan Aara, “music came back into my life”.

Farhan also reflects on the wider musical landscape: “Pakistani musicians, Pakistani voices, they’re so raw and so gifted that they find their own way.”

Khat promises to give listeners their own eras to remember. Dedicated to his wife, daughter, and loyal fans, who waited years for a full-length project. With multiple acting projects on the way and another album already planned for next year, Farhan Saeed’s renewed passion marks a defining moment—not just for him, but for Pakistani pop.

His first track from the album was released on 14^th November 2025, with more tracks to follow.