On May 31, 2025, renowned singer-composer Adnan Sami appeared on India TV’s Aap Ki Adalat with host Rajat Sharma in Mumbai, delivering a candid interview that aired at 10 PM IST. The London-born artist, who became an Indian citizen in 2016, made headlines for his scathing remarks about Pakistan’s military and its exploitation of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Sami, son of a former Pakistani Air Force pilot, aimed to expose the establishment’s misuse of PoK to garner international funds, sparking widespread discussion amid his personal reflections on his Indian citizenship journey and Pakistan’s visa denial for his mother’s funeral in October 2024.
In This Article:
Sami’s Bold Claims on PoK and Pakistan’s Military
Sami accused Pakistan’s army of exploiting PoK as a pretext to secure foreign donations, which he claimed are siphoned off for personal gain. “They hype up the Kashmir issue to get donations and funds from other countries to line their pockets,” he stated, labeling the military “traitors to humanity” for keeping the issue alive under the guise of Islam while neglecting their people’s welfare. He emphasized that Pakistan’s generals live lavishly while citizens face poverty, asserting, “The entire nation is run by generals who even sell cornflakes.” Sami’s insider perspective, drawn from growing up in Pakistan’s corridors of power, added weight to his critique, as he recalled his father’s friend becoming caretaker Prime Minister.
Personal Struggles and Citizenship Journey
Sami shared the emotional toll of Pakistan denying him a visa to attend his mother Naureen’s funeral, forcing him to watch her last rites via WhatsApp video call. “The Indian government had no objection, but Pakistan refused despite my pleas,” he said, highlighting his strained ties with his former homeland. He detailed his challenging path to Indian citizenship, noting two rejections before approval under a special provision for artists, culminating in his 2020 Padma Shri award. Responding to former Pakistani minister Fawad Chaudhary’s taunts, Sami quipped, “He is a bhaand (joker),” dismissing claims of being a “traitor.”
Pakistan’s Lack of Democracy and Artist Respect
Sami criticized Pakistan’s lack of democracy, alleging the army topples governments at will and sabotages peace talks with India, citing the Kargil War as an example: “When politicians try to negotiate, the army says, ‘Chalo, Kargil kar lo.’” He lamented the lack of respect for artists in Pakistan, saying, “Pakistan mein kalakaaron ki kadr nahi hai,” contrasting it with India’s embrace of his talent.
A Stirring Call for Truth
Sami’s Aap Ki Adalat interview, blending personal pain with bold geopolitical commentary, has ignited debates on PoK and Pakistan’s military.
-By Manoj H
