'India attacked 2 major air bases' Pakistan Deputy PM Dar's admission

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar while speaking on a TV news show, stated that during Operation Sindoor, India attacked two Pak's key air bases- Nur Khan and Shorkot air base- in Rawalpindi and Punjab province.

Dar said, "Unfortunately, India once again launched missile strikes at 2:30am and attacked the Nur Khan air base and Shorkot air base. Within 45 minutes, the Saudi Prince Faisal called me and said that he had then just learnt about my conversation with (US Secretary of State) Marco Rubio. He also asked me if he was authorised to talk to (India's External Affairs Minister) S Jaishankar and convey that we are ready if they (India) stop. I said yes, brother, you can. He then called me back, saying he had conveyed the same to Jaishankar," Mr Dar said.

Dar's recent claims come as a contradiction to Pakistan's constant denial of the damage caused during Operation Sindoor.

Earlier, Pak PM Shahbaz Sharif had claimed that Pakistan not just responded to Indian aggression during the brief conflict earlier this month but also turned the tables on the opponent. “The Pakistan Air Force showed its professionalism by downing Indian jets and targeting seven high-value enemy assets,” he said.

On June 4, Dar said that the chance of revival of an armed conflict between Pakistan and India is remote but warned of a befitting response in case of any such development.

Dar's comment came while responding to a question during his press conference giving details of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's recent visit to Turkiye, Iran, Azerbaijan and Tajikistan and to thank the respective leadership for support during the last month's conflict with India following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.

When asked about a possible new round of fighting, Dar said that he could not predict the future but the chances of any such possibility are slim.

“The ceasefire is holding and all steps regarding withdrawal of troops have been implemented by the two sides in letter and spirit. So there is no chance (of new war) in my opinion,” he said. “However, we will give a befitting reply if India resorts to armed conflict.”

He said Pakistan was ready for dialogue with India, but not desperate for it, adding that Pakistan seeks a composite dialogue that includes terrorism as well as other issues, including Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).

The minister reiterated the offer for a neutral probe into the Pahalgam incident, which led to the recent escalation between Pakistan and India.

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, with India carrying out precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in the early hours of May 7.

The intense on-ground hostilities from both sides for four days ended with an understanding of stopping the military actions following talks between the directors general of military operations of both sides on May 10.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on May 10 announced that India and Pakistan reached an understanding to stop all firings and military actions on land, air and sea, with immediate effect.

New Delhi has been maintaining that India's fierce attacks on May 10 forced Pakistan to plead for ending the hostilities.

India said Operation Sindoor reflected India's new approach in combating cross-border terrorism from Pakistan and its resolve to not succumb to Islamabad's nuclear blackmail.

(With PTI inputs)