Shehbaz Sharif Admits Indian Missile Strikes Preceded Planned Pakistani Response

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has admitted that Indian ballistic missiles struck multiple targets across Pakistan on the night of May 9–10, catching the country’s military by surprise.

Speaking at an event in Azerbaijan, Sharif said the Pakistani armed forces had prepared to launch a retaliatory strike against India at 4:30 a.m., following Fajr prayers. However, before the scheduled action could take place, Indian missiles were launched under Operation Sindoor, targeting several provinces, including the Rawalpindi airport.

Operation Sindoor was reportedly carried out in response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. The Indian offensive targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK).

“On the night of May 9–10, we decided to respond in a measured fashion to Indian aggression. Our armed forces were prepared to act at 4:30 in the morning after Fajr prayers to teach a lesson. But before that hour even arrived, India once again launched a missile attack using BrahMos and hit various provinces of Pakistan, including the airport in Rawalpindi,” Sharif said.

This is the second time this month that Sharif has acknowledged the extent of the Indian strikes. Earlier, during a ceremony in Islamabad, the Prime Minister confirmed that Indian missiles had hit the Nur Khan Airbase and other strategic locations. He also recounted receiving a phone call at 2:30 a.m. from Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, informing him of the attacks.​