Key points
- Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb Ahmed emerged as a national icon, celebrated for his leadership and viral “six-nil” remark against India
- Director Nabeel Qureshi plans a film on the operation, sparking a heated debate over casting — especially regarding Fawad Khan’s Bollywood ties
ISLAMABAD: In a small, bustling town of Sujawal, surrounded by fields and history, a newborn baby girl has been given a name that now sounds with the roar of fighter jets and the cheers of a nation. “Marsoosa” — named after the Pakistan Army’s success in Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, has captured the imagination of millions and become the living emblem of a historic military victory.
The child’s father, Rab Dinu Jatt, a local leader of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), made the emotional announcement just days after Pakistan’s armed forces mounted a decisive retaliation to Indian aggression. “Pakistan Army showed India the stars in daylight,” said Jatt, holding his newborn in a hospital room adorned with the national flag. “I named my daughter Marsoosa so she would carry the pride of our nation in her very identity.”
A name forged in fire and victory
The name was born out of a conflict that began under the cover of darkness. On the night of May 7, Indian forces launched what Pakistan strongly condemned as a cowardly attack, orchestrated under the guise of the Pahalgam False Flag Operation. The assault resulted in the martyrdom of dozens of innocent Pakistani civilians, but the night did not end in silence.
By dawn, the Pakistan Army had launched Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, a rapid and precision-led counteroffensive that dismantled key elements of India’s air defence in mere hours. The retaliation forced a humiliating ceasefire from New Delhi, leaving analysts worldwide stunned by the speed and scope of Pakistan’s military response.
Described by defence experts as one of the most strategic and swift operations in recent South Asian history, Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos has not only reasserted Pakistan’s military might but has also inspired a wave of national pride and creative expression across the country.
From battlefield to big screen
One of the operation’s central figures, Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb Ahmed, has emerged as a national icon. Known for his steely press briefings and sarcastic commentary — including the now famous line about Pakistan’s “six-nil lead against India” — Aurangzeb has become a household name. His cool confidence and decisive leadership are being celebrated across social media, where he is trending among the top figures on X (formerly Twitter).
Perhaps one word used most for the AVM was “pookie”. A strange spin-off of cookie? Nope. Pookie is a term of endearment, used often as a nickname, for someone cute and adorable. Another big one is “Aura”. As one X user pointed out, “You can’t spell Aurangzeb without aura.”
The excitement reached new heights when acclaimed Pakistani director Nabeel Qureshi announced that he is considering a feature film based on Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos. “This is more than just a military story — it’s a story of courage, calculation, and character,” Qureshi stated, adding that he envisions a cinematic tribute to Aurangzeb’s role.
A casting controversy
As the nation speculates over who will portray the stoic Air Vice Marshal, a debate has erupted over one name in particular — Fawad Khan. Though many fans believe he closely resembles Aurangzeb, others argue that Khan’s history of working in Indian cinema disqualifies him from the role.
“This moment must belong to someone who has stood only with Pakistan, not someone who courted Bollywood,” said political analyst and commentator Dr Tehmina Aslam Ranjha, whose post on X triggered widespread debate.
Alternatives such as Humayun Saeed and Bilal Abbas Khan are now being considered, with the casting of Aurangzeb seen as a matter of national symbolism rather than just cinematic choice.
As celebrations stretch from the mountains of Gilgit to the shores of Karachi, the name Marsoosa is more than a tribute. It is a message: Pakistan will not be shaken in the dark, and it will answer with light, courage, and legacy.
