In a significant and rare admission, Pakistan has confirmed that its key Nur Khan Air Base sustained damage following Indian missile strikes. This acknowledgment marks a departure from Islamabad’s usual stance of downplaying or denying damage from Indian military actions. The incident occurred as a retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, disclosed that multiple drones were deployed by India, with one successfully hitting the military installation in Rawalpindi’s Chakala area on May 10. Dar stated that the strike resulted in damage to the base and injuries to personnel stationed there. He characterized India’s action as a ‘mistake,’ openly conceding the impact of the operation. This admission has drawn strong reactions, with a retired Indian Lieutenant General, KJS Dhillon, labeling Dar a ‘compulsive liar’ and asserting that the base was engulfed in flames, contrary to Pakistan’s claims of only minor damage and injuries. Dhillon also pointed to reports of 138 posthumous gallantry awards given to Pakistani personnel, suggesting a far more severe impact than officially admitted.
