In a dramatic escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan, multiple explosions were reported early Saturday morning, May 10, 2025, at the Noor Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi. The blasts, which were heard across Islamabad and Rawalpindi, prompted immediate security responses as police and rescue teams rushed to the scene.
According to security sources, the explosions were part of an attempted missile attack by India, targeting not only the Noor Khan Airbase but also other significant military installations in Pakistan. Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, confirmed that India had launched air-to-ground missiles aimed at three Pakistani airbases: Noor Khan, Mureed Base in Chakwal, and Rafiqi Airbase in Shorkot, Punjab.
"All assets of the Pakistan Air Force are safe," Lt Gen Chaudhry assured the public during a late-night press conference. He further warned that India’s aggressive actions are pushing the entire region towards war, stating, "India is aggressively pushing the entire region towards war with its reckless actions." This assertion underscores the heightened alertness within Pakistan's military and government as they prepare for potential retaliatory measures.
Witnesses reported seeing flames rising from the vicinity of the airbase, with videos circulating on social media capturing the chaotic aftermath of the explosions. The blasts were initially attributed to a failed missile strike, as security officials confirmed that two drones were shot down in Gulberg Green, near the Noor Khan Airbase, effectively thwarting the attack.
In a broader context, this incident follows a series of military confrontations between the two nations, including a recent drone strike by Pakistan targeting 26 locations across India. These strikes were reportedly intercepted by Indian air defense systems, highlighting the ongoing tit-for-tat exchanges that have characterized their relationship in recent months.
On Friday, May 9, 2025, Pakistan's military launched drone strikes across various states in India, including Jammu and Kashmir and Gujarat, which led to injuries among civilians in Punjab due to falling debris from a Pakistani drone. This escalation has raised concerns over civilian safety in both countries, as military actions increasingly spill over into populated areas.
As the situation continues to develop, officials in Pakistan have called on the international community to recognize India’s hostile actions. They emphasize that such provocations not only threaten bilateral relations but also destabilize the entire South Asian region. Pakistan has urged global leaders to hold India accountable for its military aggression.
In response to the missile attacks, Pakistan's military leadership has assured the nation of its readiness to respond decisively. "All our assets are safe, and we are fully prepared for any response," Lt Gen Chaudhry stated emphatically, reinforcing the resolve of the Pakistan Air Force to defend against any further incursions.
Amidst these tensions, the Pakistani government has categorically denied any intentions of endangering civilian populations in Indian Punjab, seeking to clarify its military objectives amidst accusations of aggression. Meanwhile, Indian officials have remained tight-lipped, with an IAF spokesperson refusing to comment on the situation.
As both nations grapple with the implications of their military actions, the potential for further escalation looms large. The international community watches closely, aware that the stakes are high in this volatile region.
In the wake of these events, the Pakistani government has implemented heightened security measures around critical military installations, including the Noor Khan Airbase, which is not only a key operational center for the Pakistan Air Force but also strategically located near essential military and civilian infrastructure. The base is named after Air Marshal Nur Khan, a significant figure in Pakistan's military history.
With the situation still unfolding, authorities are calling for calm among the populace while preparing for any necessary military responses. The potential for retribution or further conflict remains a pressing concern as both nations navigate this precarious moment in their fraught relationship.
As of now, neither the Indian nor the Pakistani governments have issued official statements confirming or denying the reports of the explosions at Noor Khan Airbase. However, the implications of this incident are clear: the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan continues to pose a significant threat to regional stability.
