The Milestones
| Company type | Pop rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1990 in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan |
| Founder | Ziyyad Gulzar, Ali Tim |
| Defunct | 1996 |
| Headquarters | Karachi , Pakistan |
| Products | Music albums, live performances |
The Milestones () emerged as a Pakistani pop rock ensemble originating from Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan, in 1990. The group was initially formed by lead guitarist Ziyyad Gulzar and bassist Ali Tim, who were soon joined by lead singer Candy Pereira. Recognized as trailblazers within the regional pop music landscape, they produced two studio albums and delivered numerous live performances, earning acclaim beyond national borders.
Their first album, Jadoo (1993), included popular tracks such as "Baat", "Jan-e-Jaan", "Jeevan", and "Mein". The album's favorable reception paved the way for tours across the United States, Canada, and Cyprus, along with extensive promotional activities throughout Pakistan. Following an interval of approximately eighteen months, their sophomore release, Volume II, featured some singles from their debut but did not match its commercial impact. Nonetheless, standout songs like "Aag" and "Aandhi aur Toofan" achieved notable chart success.
After the release of their second album, Candy Pereira and Ali Tim moved to Canada, whereas Ziyyad Gulzar went on to establish the band Rushk.
Formation (1990–1992)
The Milestones originated in Karachi in 1990 with Ziyyad Gulzar handling lead guitar duties, Carl Miranda on drums, and Samar Salim playing keyboards. When their bassist departed, Ziyyad brought in Ali Tim, impressed by his performance despite limited experience with the bass guitar. They settled on the name "The Milestones" for their project.
Approximately three months later, during a live performance, they encountered vocalist Candy Pereira who showed interest in joining the band. After a successful audition conducted by Ziyyad and Ali Tim, Candy was appointed as the lead singer. This trio constituted the core lineup, supported by backing vocalists Zoren and Zelena.
Following the exits of Carl Miranda and Samar Salim, session musicians John Louis Pinto (drums) and Yousuf Begg (keyboards/guitar) joined to contribute in studio and live settings. The definitive lineup—Ziyyad Gulzar (guitar), Ali Tim (bass), and Candy Pereira (vocals)—crafted several memorable hits across their two albums, Jadoo and Volume II.
Success (1993–1995)
In 1993, the band unveiled their debut album, Jadoo, which garnered critical praise and included hit singles such as "Baat", "Jan-e-Jaan", "Jeevan", and "Mein". This accomplishment positioned them among the top ten mainstream musical acts domestically. The album's widespread acclaim facilitated international tours to the US, Canada, and Cyprus, coupled with numerous concerts throughout Pakistan aimed at promoting their work. Additionally, they participated in nationwide benefit concerts supporting organizations like Amnesty International, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital, and Pakistan Medical Association. That same year, they headlined a significant event at KMC Stadium in Karachi, sharing billing with groups such as Vital Signs, Awaz, and Arsh.
After an eighteen-month hiatus, their second studio album, Volume II, was released in 1994. While it did not achieve the commercial heights of its predecessor, tracks like "Aag" and "Aandhi aur Toofan" gained traction on music charts. The song "Aandhi aur Toofan" served as a homage to Pakistani cricket legends Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram. This album also included a rendition of Alamgir's "Khayal Rakna".
Between 1993 and 1995, The Milestones underwent several lineup alterations with various session and backup musicians contributing on keyboards and drums; however, the principal members—Ali Tim, Ziyyad Gulzar, and Candy Pereira—remained active until the group's dissolution in 1996.
Disbandment (1996–1997)
After releasing their second album, the group dissolved when lead singer Candy Pereira moved to Canada. Subsequently, Ali Tim and Ziyyad Gulzar collaborated with vocalist Ali Haider to establish a new band named Aakash. This ensemble toured internationally across England, Canada, and the United States, launching their self-titled debut album in 1996 under the Sound Master label, which earned them a Platinum Disc Award due to its commercial success. In an interview conducted in April, Ali Tim revealed intentions to bring in a new frontman for Milestones and to produce a third studio album; nonetheless, this project never materialized. Eventually, Ali Tim relocated to Canada, while Ziyyad Gulzar went on to create his own band, Rushk.
Musical Influences
The band’s sound was shaped by an array of artists including The Beatles, CCR, Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, and The Doors. Over the span of five years, they released two albums and earned international recognition through numerous live performances.
Concert History
Throughout their five-year tenure, The Milestones embarked on extensive tours covering the United States, Canada, and Cyprus, alongside regular shows throughout Pakistan. Their concerts often supported charitable causes such as Amnesty International, Shaukat Khanum Memorial, and Pakistan Medical Association. Following Candy’s exit, the remaining members joined forces with Ali Haider under the name "Aakash," performing across the UK, US, Canada, and the Middle East between 1995 and 1997.
Discography
- Studio albums
- Live albums
Band Members
- Original lineup
- Candy Pereira – lead vocals (1990–1995)
- Ali Tim – bass guitar, lead vocals (1990–1996)
- Ziyyad Gulzar – lead guitar (1990–1996)
- Session musicians
- John "Gumby" Louis Pinto – drums (1990–1992)
- Carl Miranda – drums (1992–1993)
- Allan Smith – drums (1993–1995)
- John Saville – keyboards (1992–1993)
- Timeline
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