SOURCE: AFI
In a shocking revelation that has sent ripples across Pakistan and beyond, Pakistani security expert Imtiaz Gul has claimed in a viral social media video that the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi is effectively under American control. The video, which has garnered widespread attention, quotes Gul stating, “Pakistan’s Nur Khan Airbase is reportedly under American control — even Pak Army officers aren’t allowed to interfere.” This explosive allegation has raised serious questions about Pakistan’s sovereignty over one of its most critical military installations.
Gul’s claims suggest that Pakistan Army officials are “not authorised” to exercise full control over the airbase, hinting at operational agreements or restrictions tied to joint operations or visits involving American forces. He further alleged that American aircraft have been repeatedly sighted at the airbase, with a notable lack of transparency regarding their cargo. “What are these planes carrying? Why is there no clarity?” Gul can be heard questioning in the video, fueling speculation about foreign influence over Pakistan’s military infrastructure.
The Nur Khan Airbase, located in Rawalpindi just 10 km from Islamabad, is a strategically vital facility. Positioned close to the Pakistan Army’s General Headquarters and the Strategic Plans Division—the body responsible for overseeing Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal—the airbase holds immense military and symbolic significance. It serves as the command center for the PAF’s air mobility operations, housing key transport squadrons such as the C-130 Hercules and IL-78 mid-air refuelers, which are critical for logistical and strategic airlift capabilities. Additionally, the airbase hosts the Benazir Bhutto International Airport, PAF College Chaklala for training aviation cadets, and Fazaia Inter College Nur Khan, which provides educational facilities.
The timing of Gul’s claims adds a dramatic layer to the controversy, as the Nur Khan Airbase was reportedly targeted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) during its precision strikes under “Operation Sindoor.” The operation, conducted in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists, saw India inflict significant damage on the airbase. Sources within the IAF have confirmed that the strikes, which destroyed at least nine Pakistani aircraft, including Mirage and JF-17 jets, were both strategic and symbolic, given the airbase’s proximity to Pakistan’s military and nuclear command structures.
The damage to Nur Khan Airbase is a major blow to Pakistan’s air mobility and logistical capabilities, with the C-130 and IL-78 squadrons playing a pivotal role in supporting military operations. The symbolic weight of the strike is equally significant, as it underscores India’s ability to penetrate deep into Pakistan’s heavily guarded military infrastructure, just kilometers from the capital.
Gul’s allegations about American control of the airbase have sparked intense debate within Pakistan, with many questioning the extent of foreign involvement in the country’s defense apparatus. Neither the Pakistan military nor the U.S. government has issued an official response to the claims, leaving room for speculation and public outrage. The lack of transparency regarding American aircraft operations, as highlighted by Gul, has further fueled suspicions about secretive agreements that may compromise Pakistan’s autonomy.
As the fallout from both Operation Sindoor and Gul’s revelations continues to unfold, the Nur Khan Airbase remains at the center of a geopolitical storm. The Indian strikes have already demonstrated the vulnerability of Pakistan’s key military assets, while Gul’s claims have cast a shadow over the country’s sovereignty. With tensions in the region at a boiling point, the international community will be closely watching for further developments.
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