Pakistani singer and actor Azaan Sami Khan recently posted a powerful and emotional archival video featuring his late grandfather, Squadron Leader Arshad Sami Khan, a celebrated officer of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) during the 1965 war.
In the clip, which has resurfaced and gone viral, Squadron Leader Arshad Sami Khan is seen alongside fellow PAF officers confidently recalling how they downed multiple Indian MiG fighter jets, describing them as falling “like small birds” in the heat of battle.
The officers claimed that between 9 and 10 Indian jets were shot down while dismissing Indian media assertions about PAF losses as “false and baseless.” They affirmed that not a single Pakistani aircraft was brought down during those operations and praised the valor of Pakistani pilots for forcing Indian forces to retreat.
Azaan, in his tribute post, honored his grandfather’s bravery and highlighted the continued legacy of Pakistan’s air force, expressing admiration for the courage shown by PAF personnel both in history and in present times.
The resurfaced footage has sparked a wave of patriotic sentiment in Pakistan, with many users asserting that even technologically superior aircraft like the French-built Rafales have not been able to challenge the skill and effectiveness of the PAF.
Recent clashes have only bolstered this belief, with reports claiming that Pakistan shot down six Indian aircraft and drones following renewed hostilities. The PAF’s consistent performance in safeguarding national airspace has reinforced public confidence in its capabilities.
Meanwhile, singer Adnan Sami—Azaan’s father and a former Pakistani citizen who acquired Indian nationality in 2016—has come under fire for publicly supporting India’s military action, ‘Operation Sindoor’, in response to the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians.
Sami’s post featuring pro-Indian Army slogans and a graphic that read “Sindoor se tandoor tak” stirred strong criticism on social media, with many Pakistanis condemning his remarks and accusing him of disregarding his roots.
Despite his father’s political shift, Azaan Sami Khan has chosen to remain in Pakistan and has openly supported the Pakistan Army during recent escalations, emphasizing his patriotism and connection to the country’s history and values.
