Squadron leader Hasan Siddiqui, the hero who shot down the Indian jet

Three years ago, squadron leader Hasan Siddiqui featured in a video paying tribute to the bravery and professionalism of the Pakistan Air Force.

On February 27, 2019 he became a real-life hero when he shot down Indian aircraft which had intruded into the Pakistani airspace, leading to the capture of Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman who was released by Pakistan earlier this week as a gesture of peace aimed at defusing the tensions.

Soon after Pakistan's retaliation to India, videos and pictures of PAF squadron leader Hasan Siddiqui began making rounds on the internet, as people applauded his valour and skills for reportedly shooting down Indian fighter jet(s) violating the Pakistani airspace along the Line of Control. PAF downed two Indian aircraft, one of which fell in Azad Kashmir, the other in Indian-occupied Kashmir. 

Hasan Siddiqui’s bravery brought back memories of legendary 1965 war hero Air Commodore Muhammad Mahmood Alam, who famously shot down five Indian warplanes in less than a minute.

Hasan Siddiqui, who hails from Karachi, received a hero’s welcome as soon as his plane touched down. According to a video circulating on social media, PAF officials surrounded his aircraft as soon as he landed after successfully engaging the Indian planes.

Singer Umair Jaswal, who sang 'Fizaon Ke Mohafiz' with Rizwan Ul Haque as a tribute to PAF on Defence Day 2016, tweeted the song video featuring Hasan Siddiqui.

“Today reminded me of my song 'Fizaon Ke Mohafiz' that featured Sqn Ldr. Hasan, who happens to be the pilot who shot down the IAF plane today. We don't promote or want war but we do know how to defend our motherland. I hope and pray the affairs come to a peaceful conclusion!" Jaswal wrote.