Their initial experiments with synthesized sounds and rhythms were not immediately recognised, although Strings sold 20,000 copies during its first week after release.

Two years later the band released their second album, 2, which included the critically acclaimed single "Sar Kiye Yeh Pahar".

Following Junoon and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Strings went to India (where they found remixes of one of their early songs playing in clubs).

In April 2013 Strings joined Meesha Shafi, Ali Azmat, Shahzad Hasan and Alamgir as judges on the vocal-talent show Cornetto Music Icons, aired on ARY Digital.

In Karachi, however, fans of singers such as Nazia and Zoheb, Alamgir and Ali Shehki were eager to hear the new wave of Pakistani pop music.

In 1988, at the Government College of Commerce & Economics in Karachi, four classmates (Bilal Maqsood, Faisal Kapadia, Rafiq Wazir Ali and Kareem Bashir Bhoy) formed a band.

It was played on STN during their hour-long show; with little competition Maqsood's directorial début was a success, making the song a nationwide hit.

Since Ali and Bhoy were unavailable,[4] Maqsood and Kapadia decided to re-form Strings by themselves; this meant giving up their day jobs.

Although Strings were successful in Pakistan, they were unaware that a remixed version of "Sar Kiye Yeh Pahaar" was being played in Indian clubs and had established their reputation.

[6] In January 2002 they reissued Duur on the Magnasound label, which had launched pop stars Baba Sehgal and Remo Fernandes.

[8][9] Strings appeared on Channel V's television show Jammin, performing "Pal" from their upcoming fourth album with Sagarika.

[14] Strings were approached by director Sanjay Gupta, who was shooting Zinda (a remake of the South Korean film Oldboy), for a song for its soundtrack.

On 16 May 2008 Strings released their fifth album, Koi Aanay Wala Hai, on Fire Records in Pakistan and Sony BMG internationally.

On 19 May the band released the album's title track, "Koi Aanay Wala Hai", featured John Abraham.

[18] During the second episode of Coke Studio, aired on 29 June, Strings performed their singles "Sar Kiye Yeh Pahar", "Anjane", "Zinda Hoon" and a duet on "Duur" with Ustaad Hussain Bakhsh Gullo.

The band's success in Coke Studio's first season led them to an appearance on the show's second-season finale, airing on Pakistan's Independence Day (14 August 2009), in which they performed "Titliyan".

[20][21] In June 2010 Strings signed a one-year partnership with Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways as its brand ambassadors, promoting Pakistan in the global market with the band's music.

The primary aim of the movement is to revive the spirit of nationhood and community in Pakistan, highlighting the country's young musical talent.

Other guest judges were former Vital Signs member Shahzad Hassan, singer Najam Sheraz and Khalid Khan from the band Aaroh.

On 16 July 2010 Strings released their single "Ab Khud Kuch Karna Paray Ga", featuring former Jal lead vocalist Atif Aslam.

[29] Later in April Strings became brand ambassadors for Levi's Pakistan, and on 13 May the band performed at the Pakistani Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

They followed with "Najane Kyun", dedicated to the journalists who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty, "Zinda Hoon", "Mein Tou Dekhoonga" and "Sohniyae".

[36][37] On 26 August, Bollywood director Sanjay Gupta confirmed that Strings would provide music for the soundtrack to his movie Shootout at Wadala.

[38][39] Several days later Maqsood and Kapadia, in India, confirmed that they were composing music for the Bollywood film;[39] Ekta Kapoor and Sanjay Gupta reportedly hosted a surprise party for the duo, with many celebrities on the guest list.

[39][40] On 28 August, the Hindustan Times reported that actor Imran Khan organised a special screening of his comedy Delhi Belly for Strings.

[citation needed] In April 2013, Strings joined Meesha Shafi, Ali Azmat, Shahzad Hasan and Alamgir as judges on the vocal-talent show Cornetto Music Icons on ARY Digital.

[48] Later the band's lead singer Faisal Kapadia confirmed the release of their sixth studio album 30, as 2018 marked 30 years of Strings.

Their music (such as "Ab Khud Kuch Karna Paray Ga", "Beirut", "Jheet Lo Dil" and "Titliyan") has helped keep national spirits high.

[53] Their music has been enjoyed by Pakistani youth for over ten years, compensating internationally for the departure of Vital Signs and Nazia and Zoheb.

Other internationally known musicians include Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Junoon, Nazia Hassan, Jal and Vital Signs.