Explosions Rock Pakistani Airbases as Islamabad Shuts Airspace

Key Points

• Pakistan claims India fired six ballistic missiles at three major Pakistani airbases-Nur Khan (Rawalpindi), Murid (Chakwal), and Rafiqui (Shorkot)-early Saturday.
• Loud explosions reported near Pakistani airbases and in major cities, prompting Pakistan to close its airspace to all flights until noon.
• Pakistani military says most missiles were intercepted and no significant damage occurred; India has not officially commented.
• The missile strikes follow a series of drone and missile attacks by Pakistan on 26 Indian cities, largely repelled by Indian defenses.
• Both nations are on high alert, with retaliatory strikes and intense military activity reported on both sides of the border.

New Delhi: Tensions between India and Pakistan reached a dangerous new high early Saturday as Pakistan’s military claimed that India fired six ballistic missiles targeting three of its most strategic airbases. According to Pakistani officials, the missiles-allegedly launched from Adampur airbase in India’s Punjab-were aimed at Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi (adjacent to Islamabad), Murid Airbase in Chakwal, and Rafiqui Airbase in Shorkot, all critical assets for the Pakistan Air Force.

Explosions and Panic in Major Pakistani Cities

Residents in Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Islamabad reported hearing loud explosions in the early hours, with videos circulating on social media showing fires and heightened military activity at the Nur Khan Airbase. The blasts caused panic, sending people out of their homes and triggering emergency protocols at military installations. Despite the dramatic scenes, Pakistani military spokesperson Lt. Gen. Ahmad Sharif stated that all air force assets remained safe and that most of the incoming missiles were intercepted by air defenses.

Pakistan Shuts Down Airspace, Vows Response

In response to the attacks, Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority closed the country’s airspace to all flights from 3:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., disrupting travel at major airports in Islamabad, Lahore, and Sialkot. State-run media reported that retaliatory strikes were already underway against multiple locations in India, and the Pakistani government warned that India should “wait for its response”.

Sequence of Escalation: Drones, Missiles, and Military Alerts

This latest incident follows days of escalating hostilities. On Friday, Pakistan launched a wave of drone and missile attacks on 26 Indian cities, including civilian areas in Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and Rajasthan. Indian air defense systems, including the S-400, successfully intercepted most of these threats, with only minor injuries reported in Ferozepur. In retaliation, India is reported to have struck several Pakistani air defense radars and related systems, further intensifying the conflict.

Claims and Counterclaims

Pakistani officials accused India of targeting areas with significant Sikh and minority populations, a charge for which no independent verification exists. Meanwhile, India has not issued an official statement on the missile strikes but is expected to hold a media briefing soon. Both sides have accused each other of initiating unprovoked attacks, with cross-border artillery fire and shelling reported along the Line of Control in Kashmir and elsewhere.

Regional and Civilian Impact

The military escalation has led to widespread disruptions. Pakistan’s airspace closure has grounded all civilian flights, while India has suspended operations at 32 airports across northern and western regions, including Srinagar and Amritsar, until May 14 for security reasons. Blackouts and air raid sirens have become common in border cities, and both countries have put their armed forces on high alert.

Timeline of Recent Escalation

The situation remains volatile, with both countries trading accusations and military blows. International observers have called for restraint, but with airspace closures, missile strikes, and retaliatory operations, the risk of further escalation is at its highest in decades.