In a major revelation, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has publicly acknowledged that India conducted airstrikes on two Pakistani airbases — Noor Khan and Shorkot — during Operation Sindoor, carried out in the early hours of May 7, 2025. This marks a significant shift from Pakistan's previous denials regarding the incident.
Speaking on Geo News, Dar confirmed that the Indian Air Force struck around 2:30 AM, catching Pakistan off-guard, just as its military was preparing for a retaliatory offensive.
India Preempted Pakistan's Strike Plan
Dar revealed that a counterattack had been scheduled for 4:00 AM, with full coordination from Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. However, India launched a preemptive strike, derailing Pakistan’s operational timeline.
“We had finalized our response plan with PM Shahbaz Sharif. But before we could act, India struck key airbases including Noor Khan and Shorkot,” Dar said.
This admission comes after earlier official denials from both the Pakistan government and military, despite growing evidence. PM Shahbaz Sharif had previously hinted at the attacks in an interview, and Dar's statement now confirms them publicly.
Saudi Prince Mediated Immediate Ceasefire
Deputy PM Dar also disclosed that Saudi Prince Faisal bin Salman intervened shortly after the airstrikes, playing a key diplomatic role in preventing escalation.
“About 45 minutes after the strike, the Prince called and offered to contact India to suggest a ceasefire. I agreed, and he later spoke with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar,” Dar noted.
Operation Sindoor: India's Response to Pahalgam Attack
India launched Operation Sindoor in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Indian military sources confirmed that nine terror launchpads in Pakistan and PoK were targeted, resulting in the deaths of around 100 terrorists.
The operation included BrahMos missile strikes, with confirmed hits on strategic assets, including Rawalpindi Airport, disrupting Pakistan’s anticipated retaliation scheduled for May 10.
Leaked Pakistani Military Document Reveals Wider Damage
A classified Pakistani military report, leaked on June 4, has surfaced under the codename Operation Bunyan Un Marsoos. The document revealed Indian strikes went far beyond what was publicly acknowledged.
Additional Indian Targets:
-
Peshawar
-
Jhang
-
Hyderabad (Sindh)
-
Gujrat (Punjab)
-
Bahawalnagar
-
Attock
-
Chor
Confirmed Strategic Strikes
-
Bholari Airbase (Near Karachi): India destroyed an aircraft hangar, confirmed via satellite imagery.
-
Noor Khan Airbase: Located near Pakistan Army HQ and nuclear storage facilities, this was among India’s most sensitive targets.
-
Rahim Yar Khan Airbase: A strike created a crater, disabling the runway.
-
Sargodha Airbase: India conducted precision attacks on separate sections of the runway, resulting in dual impact craters.
Broader Implications for South Asia
This high-stakes exchange and Pakistan’s delayed admission underline the fragile nature of India-Pakistan relations. The situation also reflects India’s increasing reliance on preemptive strike doctrines in response to cross-border terrorism.
Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic intervention highlights the growing international involvement in managing conflicts in South Asia. As both nations reassess their military and diplomatic strategies, Operation Sindoor is now being seen as a turning point in the regional security landscape.