Singer Adnan Sami recently revealed that a few Pakistani nationals told him he was fortunate to have left Pakistan when he did, expressing a desire to change their own citizenship and frustration with their country’s military. Sami, now an Indian citizen, took to X (formerly Twitter) on Monday to recount the conversation, which took place during a visit to Azerbaijan.
“Met some very sweet Pakistani boys while walking on the beautiful streets of Baku, Azerbaijan,” Adnan shared. “They said, ‘Sir, you are very lucky… You left Pakistan in good time. We also want to change our citizenship… WE HATE OUR ARMY… They have destroyed our country!!’ I replied, ‘I knew this long ago!’” the singer wrote.
Adnan, who was born in London and became an Indian national in 2015, has often spoken about his decision to move to India and his disillusionment with Pakistan. He originally arrived in India in 2001 on a visitor visa and continued living in the country with extensions until he was granted citizenship. His Pakistani passport expired in 2015 and was not renewed by the government, prompting him to formally request Indian citizenship on humanitarian grounds — which was granted by the Centre.
The singer has also been vocal about criticism from across the border. Following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people, former Pakistani minister Chaudhry Fawad Hussain questioned Adnan’s Indian citizenship in a post on X. In response, the singer lashed out, calling him an “illiterate idiot”.
Known for hits like Kabhi To Nazar Milao, Tera Chehra, and Lift Kara De, Adnan Sami’s transition from a Pakistani artist to an Indian citizen has frequently been a subject of debate. However, he continues to stand by his decision, often reiterating his deep connection with India and his discontent with Pakistan’s political and military leadership.