Junaid Jamshed, once famous as the face of one of Pakistan’s most iconic bands Vital Signs, died in a plane crash. He was 51. He is survived by a wife, three sons and a daughter. He was on board Pakistan International Airlines flight PK-661, which crashed on the way to Islamabad from Chitral today.

Born on September 3, 1965 and educated at the the University of Engineering and Technology Lahore, He enjoyed a 17-year stint in the Pakistani pop music industry. He shot to fame as the vocalist of Vital Signs, which emerged in 1987 as the project of reclusive TV producer Shoaib Mansoor. Mansoor wanted the band to record a patriotic song and video. The song went on to become the timeless track ‘Dil Dil Pakistan’. The hit propelled the band into becoming one of the country’s biggest modern pop acts that would go on to record four best-selling albums and head dozens of concerts between 1989 and 1996. It also bagged the group a lucrative contract from Pepsi Co. Pakistan. In 2004, Jamshed left the music industry after a spiritual awakening, choosing to devote his life to religious activities.

Condolences poured in from around the world and several religious scholars, political figures and old friends took to Twitter to remember their old friend and comrade. Dr Mufti Ismail Menk of Zimbabwe, who was named one of the top 500 most influential Muslims in the world since 2010, tweeted: “I am saddened by news of the death of #JunaidJamshed and his wife in a #PIA plane crash. May the Almighty grant ease to all in the tragedy.” May all the lives that were lost on the plane crash rest in peace.

Those who knew him say there was an aura around him, let’s have a look at what the celebrities said for him on the social media…

Imran Khan

✔@ImranKhanPTI

Shocked & saddened by the tragic PIA plane crash near HavelIan. May Allah give the families of the deceased courage to bear their loss.

Waseem Badami

Please everyone Pray for his maghfirat after tahajjud and fajar prayers. @JunaidJamshedPK this time reminds me of your azaan after sehri

Wasim Akram

Words can’t describe how I’m feeling.This is a national tragedy. Our airline, in our country with our countrymen.Too much sadness

Zaid Ali

My prayers go out to all the families travelling on the PK661. May Allah give their families patience. We have lost another legend today.

Sheheryar Munawar ‏

Sad over the demise of all the passengers of PIA PK-661 crash. May Allah bless the departed souls with the highest place in Jannah (Ameen)

Rishi Kapoor ‏

RIP. My Condolences to the bereaved families of the PIA Flight crash. We lost an artist in Junaid Jamshed. May God Bless all! Ameen

Urwa Hocane ‏

Saddened beyond words! Rest in peace #JunaidJamshed & all the people who were on board! Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Rajiun!

Mahira Khan ‏

Heart is bleeding for the lives lost, condolences to the family. We lose another icon.. this is just so so sad. #PK661 #JunaidJamshed

Iqrar ul Hassan Syed ‏

Junaid bhai…. you’ll be missed yaar 🙁

Ali Rehman Khan ‏

Decembers don’t cease to depress. Extremely saddened by the loss of life on flight 661. May Allah forgive their sins and grant them Jannah.

Amir Khan ‏

PIA plane crash in Pakistan. My friend @JunaidJamshedPK was on the flight also, My heart goes out to all families who lost their loved 1’s

Salman Iqbal

إنا لله وإنا إليه راجعون !! Can’t Belive it! Rest in peace mayray dost!!!

Osman Khalid Butt

You think you’d be desensitised by now – but with every death comes fresh heartbreak. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. #PK116