Key Points
- Pakistani PM Shahbaz Sharif publicly admits Indian strikes damaged several Pakistani airbases, including the strategic Noor Khan Airbase.
- This confession comes after days of official denial and public celebrations in Pakistan.
- Noor Khan Airbase, near Islamabad, is critical for Pakistan’s military and VVIP aviation.
- Satellite imagery confirms precise targeting by the Indian Air Force during ‘Operation Sindoor’.
- Sharif’s statement, now viral, details the moment he was informed of the attacks and Pakistan’s defensive response.
Islamabad/New Delhi:
In a dramatic shift, Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has publicly acknowledged the extensive damage inflicted by India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’-specifically confirming the destruction of multiple airbases, including the highly sensitive Noor Khan Airbase near Islamabad. This admission, captured in a viral video circulating on social media, marks a stark reversal from Pakistan’s earlier denials and claims of victory.
From Denial to Admission: The Turning Point
Until recently, Pakistani officials maintained that India’s counterattack had failed, with state media downplaying or outright denying any damage. The narrative was one of resilience and victory, with celebrations erupting across the country. However, mounting evidence and international scrutiny appear to have forced a change in tone.
In the now-widely shared video, Shahbaz Sharif recounts the moment he received the alarming news:
“At around 2:30 am on the intervening night of 9th and 10th, Sepoy General Asim Munir told me on a secure phone that Prime Minister Sahib, India has just launched its ballistic missiles, one of which has fallen on Noor Khan airbase and some have also fallen in other areas… Our Air Force used indigenous technology to protect our country and they also used modern gadgets and technology on Chinese fighter planes.”
Noor Khan Airbase: Why It Matters
Noor Khan Airbase is not just any military installation. Located near Islamabad, it serves as a hub for both Pakistan Air Force (PAF) operations and VVIP air transport, hosting the nation’s top military and political leaders. Its dual military and governmental function makes it one of the most strategically vital and sensitive sites in Pakistan.
The airbase’s proximity to the capital underscores its importance, and its damage is a significant blow to Pakistan’s military infrastructure and command capabilities.
Indian Air Force’s Precision Strikes
Satellite imagery and defense analyses following ‘Operation Sindoor’ have revealed that Indian Air Force strikes were highly accurate. All designated targets, including Noor Khan Airbase, were hit with precision, with no reports of missed objectives. This level of operational success highlights India’s advanced targeting capabilities and the effectiveness of its military planning.
Pakistan’s Defensive Response
According to Sharif, Pakistan’s Air Force responded using both indigenous and Chinese-supplied technology in an attempt to repel the strikes. Despite these efforts, the damage to critical infrastructure was significant enough to warrant public acknowledgment at the highest level.
Strategic and Political Fallout
Sharif’s admission is likely to have significant repercussions both domestically and internationally. It exposes the gap between official statements and the reality on the ground, raising questions about transparency and crisis management within Pakistan’s leadership. For India, the acknowledgment serves as a validation of its military response and strategic messaging.
Pakistan’s public confession regarding the damage from ‘Operation Sindoor’-especially at the Noor Khan Airbase-marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing India-Pakistan standoff. The episode highlights the risks of escalation, the importance of strategic assets, and the power of information in shaping public perception and international relations.
