In the early hours of Saturday, India significantly escalated its ongoing conflict with Pakistan, launching missiles on three airbases that were successfully neutralized by the armed forces.
Addressing media around 3 a.m., Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director-General Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said India had targeted three airbases with missiles strikes. He said Indian aircraft fired ground-to-air missiles targeting Rawalpindi’s Nur Khan Airbase, Chakwal’s PAF Base Murid, and PAF Base Rafiqui, located near Shorkot, Jhang.
In his statement, Chaudhry emphasized that India was pushing the entire region into war, alleging Delhi had also fired missiles into Afghanistan. Describing the move as “highly dangerous,” he asserted it was part of a broader effort to destabilise the region.
Confirming that the armed forces had successfully neutralized the missiles and all Pakistan Air Force assets were safe and unharmed, he delivered a stark warning to Delhi regarding retaliation: “Wait for our answer.”
Earlier in the night, Chaudhry had similarly alleged to media that India was firing missiles on its soil in a bid to divert blame on Pakistan. He claimed India had launched six missiles, with one landing in Adampur, and five reportedly hitting targets in Amritsar. Describing the act as “shocking” and “senseless,” he said it was irrational for India to fire ballistic missiles targeting its Sikh-majority areas.
Emphasizing that this action raised serious questions, he claimed that Pakistan had electronic signatures that had identified the missiles and their origin. “Our sympathies lie with India’s minorities and Sikhs,” he added.
Night of Escalation
Following the military spokesman’s statement, low intensity blasts continued to be heard in Chaklala, suggesting that India had launched multiple projectiles. In a NOTAM, the Civil Aviation Authority said Pakistan’s airspace will be closed to all types of flights on May 10, 2025, from 3:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
In addition to targeting Pakistan’s airbases, India also used the cover of darkness to launch new assaults on major cities of the country. There were reports of drone crashes in Lahore, Narowal, Sheikhupura and Gujranwala. There were also reports of India deploying its aircraft carriers and other vessels to strategic locations around the Karachi Port, with the Pakistan Navy vowing it was ready for any misadventure and had deployed its own warships.
In a statement, the Navy said the deployment and positioning of ships by the aggression-prone Indian Navy was “understandable” in the current environment. However, it downplayed its potential impact, saying India’s current capabilities would not significantly affect Pakistan’s defense. It warned that if India attempted any attack, Indian naval assets could become “attractive targets” for Pakistani forces.