India-Pakistan conflict: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has publicly acknowledged that Indian BrahMos missile strikes on May 9–10 targeted key locations deep inside Pakistan, including an airport in Rawalpindi. 

Speaking at the Pakistan–Turkiye–Azerbaijan Trilateral Summit in Lachin, Azerbaijan, Sharif admitted that the Pakistan Armed Forces were caught unprepared during the Indian operation, known as Operation Sindoor.

“On the 9th and 10th night we decided to respond in a measured fashion to Indian aggression,” Sharif said during his address. “But before that hour reached, India again launched missile attacks using BrahMos… including the airport in Rawalpindi and other places.”

Operation Sindoor

The Indian offensive was a response to the Pahalgam terror attack and focused on destroying terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). According to Indian reports, Operation Sindoor killed over 100 terrorists and targeted nine terror launchpads. After Pakistan attempted a limited counter-strike, India responded by destroying 11 Pakistani airbases, further escalating the situation.

Sharif had earlier confirmed that India’s ballistic missiles had struck Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi. “At around 2:30 am on May 10, General Syed Asim Munir called me on secure line and informed me that India’s ballistic missiles have hit Nur Khan Airbase and other areas,” he said at a separate public event.

De-escalation after intense military exchange

Hostilities reportedly de-escalated following a meeting between the Directors General of Military Operations of both countries on May 10. However, the damage inflicted during the brief but intense exchange highlighted the effectiveness and reach of India’s missile capabilities.

Sharif calls for talks, India rejects overtures

In subsequent statements, Sharif has emphasised Pakistan’s willingness to resolve disputes through dialogue. Speaking in Tehran earlier this week, he stated, “We want to resolve all disputes, including the Kashmir issue and the water issue, through negotiations… But if they choose to remain aggressors, then we shall defend our territory.”

India, however, remains firm in its stance. At a press briefing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “Terrorism and talks cannot go together. Talks on Jammu and Kashmir will be held only on the vacating of PoK and when Pakistan hands over the territory to us.”