A student of history, folklore and folk music is bound to be reminded of the anti-music dictates of Aurangzeb, an emperor of the Mughal dynasty of Delhi. The ignored musicians of the 17th century India took out a funeral procession in front of the Red Fort. On a royal enquiry, the musicians answered that it was the funeral of the Hindustani Sangeet, which died a premature death. It is said that thereafter, some stringent anti-music farmans were either withdrawn or not implemented strictly.

Suraiyya Multanikar, a folk musician of repute has resented the closure of the university's music department and said that it would cause a set back to both Music and music lovers. As a matter of fact, the department of music was opened with the aim of preserving the rich heritage of folk music of the area. But its future has come under threat, said Multanikar.

The Principal of the Multan College of Fine Arts and Music, however, blamed the lack of interest among students for learning music. Principal Gilani further added that the number of students had gone down from 30 to just 2 and under these circumstances, the authorities had no option but to close down the department of music.

Some reputed music lovers have blamed the admission rules for falling intake of students. The university insists on enrolling graduates only for a degree in folk music. Was Tansen, the famous musician, vocalist and a Navratna of Akbar's durbar a graduate when he joined his Guru's ashram as a pupil, ask the real music lovers?

Be that as it may, the future of folk music in Multan is bleak and music lovers have no choice but to shed tears.