In a significant and rare public admission, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that Indian ballistic missiles struck Nur Khan Airbase and other key locations on May 10, exposing vulnerabilities in Pakistan’s defense infrastructure. The attack was part of India’s military response dubbed Operation Sindoor, launched in retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.
Speaking at a public event at the Pakistan Monument, Sharif disclosed that Army Chief General Asim Munir called him at 2:30 am on the night of the strikes to inform him that Indian missiles had successfully hit multiple targets within Pakistan.
“At around 2:30 am on May 10, General Syed Asim Munir called me on secure line and informed me that India’s ballistic missiles have hit Nur Khan Airbase and other areas. Our Air Force used homegrown technology and Chinese jets to defend the country,” said Sharif, as reported by Geo News.
The Prime Minister’s confirmation stands in stark contrast to Pakistan’s typical policy of denial regarding Indian cross-border military actions. The acknowledgment adds credibility to India’s claim of having struck deep into Pakistan’s military infrastructure.
India’s Operation Sindoor: A Decisive Strike
According to Indian officials, Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, was a calculated military response targeting terrorist camps and infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The strikes reportedly eliminated over 100 terrorists linked to groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
Following India’s offensive, Pakistan attempted retaliatory measures including:
- Cross-border shelling along the Line of Control (LoC),
- Drone incursions into Indian border regions, and
- Mobilisation of counter-air defence units.
In response, India escalated its operation by destroying radar systems, airfield infrastructure, and communication hubs across 11 Pakistani airbases, including the high-profile Nur Khan Airbase, formerly Chaklala Airbase near Rawalpindi.
Political Response and Indian Reaction
BJP leader Amit Malviya highlighted the impact of Shehbaz Sharif’s statement, calling it a validation of India’s strategic success.
“Let that sink in – the Prime Minister was woken up in the middle of the night with news of strikes deep inside Pakistan. This speaks volumes about the scale, precision, and boldness of #OperationSindoor,” Malviya said in a post on X.
Ceasefire Aftermath
After intense exchanges, both nations announced a mutual cessation of hostilities on May 10, signaling a temporary pause in the heightened military standoff.
However, Sharif’s public disclosure has stirred domestic scrutiny in Pakistan, where military transparency is uncommon, especially concerning engagements with India. Analysts believe this admission may alter the narrative within Pakistan about its military preparedness and political leadership’s response.