'Was woken up by Army Chief at 2:30 a.m.': Shehbaz Sharif on India's strikes at Pak airbases

IANS May 17, 2025 362 views

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has officially confirmed that the Nur Khan airbase was targeted by Indian missile strikes, a statement made during a significant ceremony in Islamabad. He recounted how he was alerted by the Army Chief early in the morning regarding the strikes, which struck not only Nur Khan but other sites as well. The event also highlighted Pakistan's military response, which was countered by India, and Sharif expressed gratitude towards nations and leaders, particularly Donald Trump, for their roles in de-escalating tensions. Sharif emphasized international collaboration in averting a more severe conflict in the region.

"On the night of May 9 and May 10, at around 2:30 a.m. Army Chief called me." - Shehbaz Sharif
'Was woken up by Army Chief at 2:30 a.m.': Shehbaz Sharif on India's strikes at Pak airbases
Islamabad, May 17: Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a first formal acceptance of Indian airstrikes, has confirmed that the Nur Khan airbase in Rawalpindi was hit during the night between May 9 and May 10, when India launched its missile strikes on multiple Pakistani airbases.

Key Points

1

Shehbaz Sharif admits India's strikes at Nur Khan

2

Army Chief alerted Sharif at 2:30 a.m.

3

Pakistan's response involved air and missile strikes

4

Sharif thanks global leaders for peace efforts

Sharif made this statement during his speech at the grand ceremony titled "Youm-e-Tashakur" (Thanksgiving) on what Islamabad claims is a "sham celebration" on the success of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos and Marka-e-Haq against India.

During the ceremony in Islamabad, held at the iconic venue "The Monument", the Pakistan PM detailed the chain of events and that triggered Islamabad's response to India.

And while he summarised the events, he conceded and established the Indian claim that Nur Khan airbase was hit with Indian missile strikes.

"On the night of May 9 and May 10, at around 2:30 a.m. Army Chief called me from a secure line call that India, through its ballistic missiles had attacked us. One missile hit the Nur Khan airbase and some others have hit other areas," Sharif said.

He added that the Army Chief General Asim Munir asked for permission to respond to India will full force, which later on translated into a major attack by Pakistan through drones, airstrikes and missile strikes, which were successfully thwarted by Indian armed forces with full precision and efficiency.

The Pakistani Prime Minister's speech also shed light on Islamabad's call for peace talks.

"I am extremely grateful to all those friendly countries, who have been very helpful in promoting peace, ceasefire in this part of the world. And promoting all arguments and valid points for de-escalation," he added.

Sharif thanked countries including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Iran, Turkey, China, Britain and others for helping in de-escalation of the situation between India and Pakistan.

He gave special praise and appreciation to US President Donald Trump for his intervention into the crisis at the eleventh hour.

"But above all, I would like to mention and thank President Trump for his very brave leadership, and his vision that peace must be restored in South Asia sooner rather than later. And as a result, his path-breaking and strategic leadership did the trick and averted a very lethal looming war in this part of the world."

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Finally Pakistan admits what we knew all along! Our armed forces showed remarkable precision in hitting targets across the border. This proves our defense capabilities have come a long way since Kargil. 🇮🇳
P
Priya M.
Interesting how Sharif is thanking everyone except his own people for 'saving peace'. Truth is, India showed restraint after their failed counter-attack. Our forces deserve all the credit for protecting our skies!
A
Arjun S.
"Thanksgiving" ceremony for what? Their failed operation? 😂 This shows Pakistan's habit of celebrating imaginary victories. Meanwhile, our forces actually delivered results without unnecessary chest-thumping.
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Sunita R.
While I'm proud of our military's actions, we must be cautious about escalation. War helps no one - our farmers and traders near the border suffer the most during these tensions. Hope diplomacy prevails.
V
Vikram J.
Notice how China is quietly in the list of 'peacemakers'? They're no friends of India. We must strengthen our defenses on both western AND northern borders. Jai Hind!
N
Neha P.
The real story here is Pakistan's admission after years of denial. This transparency is good, but actions matter more than speeches. Will they stop supporting terrorism across the border now? That's the real question.

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Tags:
Shehbaz Sharif India airstrikes Pakistan response Nur Khan airbase Operation Bunyanum Marsoos Donald Trump