Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s public confirmation of India’s Operation Sindoor marks a rare and significant moment in India-Pakistan relations, as it is the first time a top Pakistani leader has acknowledged Indian airstrikes on Pakistani military installations during the recent escalation. His statement reinforces the scale, precision, and psychological impact of India’s military action following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
Key Developments:
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Sharif's Statement:Speaking at the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad, Sharif said:“General Munir called me personally at 2.30 in the morning to inform me about the strikes. It was a moment of grave concern.”This refers to the early hours of May 10, confirming Indian strikes on strategic Pakistani locations, including Nur Khan Air Base near Islamabad.
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Significance:Sharif’s comment gives rare official validation to India’s cross-border precision strikes, which were previously reported by Indian media and intelligence sources but largely denied or downplayed by Pakistan’s military.
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Indian Reaction:BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya amplified the clip on social media, calling it proof of India’s boldness and military precision:
“This speaks volumes about the scale, precision, and boldness of Operation Sindoor.”
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Disinformation Countered:Pakistan had earlier claimed it destroyed India’s S-400 air defense system at Adampur Airbase using JF-17 fighter jets. However, PM Modi’s visit to Adampur shortly after nullified these claims, providing visual evidence that the base remained operational.
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Pakistan’s Civilian Casualty Claims Refuted:Pakistan alleged that Indian strikes hit civilian areas. However, Sindh's Chief Minister admitted the Bholari Airbase was struck, and six Pakistani Air Force personnel were killed—confirming India’s assertion that only military targets were hit, not civilian areas.
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Timeline of Escalation:
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April 22: Pahalgam terror attack kills 26 civilians.
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May 8–10: Pakistan retaliates with drone and missile attacks targeting Indian military bases.
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May 10 (early hours): India responds with Operation Sindoor, hitting deep Pakistani military infrastructure.
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May 10 (later that day): Ceasefire agreement reached via military-level talks.
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Strategic Implications:
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Sharif’s admission serves as unintentional diplomatic ammunition for India in its global campaign to portray Pakistan as a sponsor of cross-border terrorism.
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It strengthens India’s credibility ahead of planned diplomatic missions by all-party MP delegations, including leaders like Shashi Tharoor, to brief international partners.
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The Pakistan military’s delayed internal communication, as indicated by Sharif being woken up by the army chief, reflects possible systemic vulnerabilities or a lack of preparedness in Islamabad.
Conclusion:
Sharif's comments are not just a confirmation—they are a vindication of India’s operational narrative. For New Delhi, this bolsters its position both at home and abroad, reinforcing that Operation Sindoor was strategic, restrained, and effective, aimed solely at dismantling terror infrastructure without civilian collateral damage. For Pakistan, the admission is a rare moment of transparency in an otherwise opaque military-diplomatic establishment.
