'Had 30-45 Seconds To React': Pakistan PM's Aide Recalls BrahMos Missile Scare

A senior Pakistani politician has revealed that during Operation Sindoor, Pakistan's military had a mere 30 to 45 seconds to assess if an incoming BrahMos missile from India carried a nuclear warhead. Rana Sanaullah, adviser to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, highlighted the nuclear threat that loomed over the India-Pakistan conflict following the attack by Pakistan-linked terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam.

"When India fired BrahMos at Nur Khan airbase, Pakistan's military had only 30-45 seconds to analyse whether the incoming missile may have a nuclear warhead. To decide anything on this in just 30 seconds was a dangerous situation," Mr Sanaullah told a Pakistani news channel.

Operation Sindoor: A Strategic Strike

India executed strikes on several Pakistani air bases during 'Operation Sindoor', inflicting significant damage. The operation targeted runways, hangars, and buildings, dealing a substantial blow to Pakistan. Satellite images confirmed extensive destruction at locations including Sargodha, Nur Khan (Chaklala), Bholari, Jacobabad, Sukkur, and Rahim Yar Khan.

Nur Khan airbase in Rawalpindi's Chaklala is a key facility for the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). It wasn't the first time India targeted it; during the 1971 war, the Indian Air Force's 20 Squadron attacked it using Hawker Hunters. This historical context underscores its strategic importance.

Nuclear Tensions and Misunderstandings

Sanaullah expressed concerns about potential misunderstandings leading to catastrophic consequences. "I am not saying that they did good by not using a nuclear warhead, but at the same time the people on this side could have misunderstood it also, leading to the launch of the first nuclear weapon that could spark a global nuclear war," he added.

The Indian military also dismantled numerous terror group camps such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), and Hizbul Mujahideen during 'Operation Sindoor'. Over 100 terrorists were reportedly killed in these operations.

Ceasefire Agreement Reached

Following India's overnight operations, Pakistan retaliated with drones and missiles targeting western parts of India. However, these were successfully intercepted by Indian forces. In response, India struck selected military targets deep within Pakistani territory.

After four days of intense cross-border drone and missile exchanges, both nations agreed to ceasefire terms to immediately halt military actions. This agreement marked an end to the hostilities that had escalated rapidly between the two countries.