Pakistan Admits Indian Strikes Hit Nur Khan Airbase During Operation Sindoor
Pakistan has, for the first time, publicly acknowledged the impact of India’s precision strikes on a key military installation during Operation Sindoor in May. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed that Indian drones hit the Nur Khan airbase in Rawalpindi, causing damage and injuries to personnel.
The admission came eight months after the four-day military confrontation between India and Pakistan, and marks a clear shift from Islamabad’s earlier attempts to downplay the damage.
Pakistan Confirms Drone Strike on Nur Khan Airbase
Speaking at a year-end press briefing last week, Dar said Indian forces launched a large-scale drone operation during the conflict.
“In 36 hours, at least 80 drones were sent,” he said, highlighting the intensity of the attack. Dar claimed Pakistan intercepted 79 of them but conceded that one drone struck the Nur Khan airbase in the Chaklala area of Rawalpindi.
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He described the strike as a trigger for Pakistan’s retaliation on May 10, calling India’s action a “mistake.” The Nur Khan base is one of Pakistan’s most strategic air force facilities and lies less than 25 km from Islamabad.
Background of Operation Sindoor
India launched Operation Sindoor in the early hours of May 7, 2025. The operation followed the April 26 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 civilians were killed.
Indian forces carried out precision strikes on multiple targets across Pakistan during the operation. While New Delhi has not officially disclosed the weapons used, defence analysts believe India deployed BrahMos cruise missiles, SCALP air-launched missiles, or both.
Pakistan’s Claims on Mediation and Ceasefire
Dar also addressed the diplomatic efforts during the conflict. He claimed Pakistan did not seek mediation and said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan reached out on their own.
According to Dar, Rubio called him on May 10 to convey that India was ready for a ceasefire. He added that Saudi Arabia later confirmed the truce after speaking with New Delhi.
However, Dar repeated Pakistan’s claim of shooting down seven Indian fighter jets during the May 7 air battle, without offering evidence.
President Zardari’s Admission Signals Alarm
Dar’s comments followed a striking admission by Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari. The president recently revealed that his military secretary advised him to move to a bunker during the conflict.
Zardari said he refused, adding that leaders should not hide in bunkers. His remarks reflected the level of concern within Pakistan’s top leadership after India’s strikes began.
Signs of Damage and Rebuilding
Recent satellite images show reconstruction work at the Nur Khan airbase, reinforcing claims of damage during Operation Sindoor. The base houses critical Pakistan Air Force assets and plays a central role in air defence operations.
India has not commented on the rebuilding activity or confirmed the specific targets hit during the operation.
A Shift in Islamabad’s Narrative
Pakistan’s detailed admission marks a significant departure from its earlier position. The acknowledgment underscores the scale of India’s operation and highlights how Operation Sindoor rattled Pakistan’s military and political leadership.
As regional tensions remain high, the statements have added a new dimension to the narrative around the May conflict and its lasting impact on South Asia’s security landscape.
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