In a major development early Saturday, multiple Pakistani air bases were rocked by powerful explosions, including the highly sensitive Nur Khan Air Base near Islamabad. The blasts triggered a nationwide shutdown of Pakistan's airspace for all civilian and commercial flights, further escalating tensions with India.

The Pakistani military confirmed explosions at three strategic air force installations: Nur Khan Air Base in Rawalpindi, Murid Air Base in Chakwal, and Rafiqui Air Base in Punjab’s Jhang district. Eyewitnesses reported loud blasts followed by visible fires and rapid deployment of security forces around the affected sites.

Nur Khan Air Base, formerly Chaklala, is a high-security facility adjacent to Pakistan's military headquarters and serves as a key operational and VIP transit hub. Unverified videos circulating on social media show flames engulfing parts of the compound.

The incident follows India’s accusation that Pakistan had endangered civil aviation by launching widespread drone attacks while keeping its airspace open to commercial flights. India stated that 300–400 Turkish-origin drones were used in a coordinated assault targeting 26 locations, from Leh to Sir Creek. Indian defence systems, including S-400s, Akash SAMs, and Barak-8 platforms, successfully neutralised the threats.

In a joint briefing on Friday, Indian Army’s Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, IAF’s Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri alleged that Pakistan had used civilian airliners as aerial cover. “Pakistan was willing to risk international air traffic safety to avoid interception of its drones,” said Colonel Qureshi.

Following these revelations and subsequent overnight blasts at key installations, Islamabad issued a NOTAM, closing its airspace. A scheduled Indian press conference at 5:45 AM was postponed to 10:00 AM amid speculation of further military developments.

India has maintained a firm stance on non-escalation, but warned of continued proportional responses if provoked.

In a major development early Saturday, multiple Pakistani air bases were rocked by powerful explosions, including the highly sensitive Nur Khan Air Base near Islamabad. The blasts triggered a nationwide shutdown of Pakistan's airspace for all civilian and commercial flights, further escalating tensions with India.

The Pakistani military confirmed explosions at three strategic air force installations: Nur Khan Air Base in Rawalpindi, Murid Air Base in Chakwal, and Rafiqui Air Base in Punjab’s Jhang district. Eyewitnesses reported loud blasts followed by visible fires and rapid deployment of security forces around the affected sites.

Nur Khan Air Base, formerly Chaklala, is a high-security facility adjacent to Pakistan's military headquarters and serves as a key operational and VIP transit hub. Unverified videos circulating on social media show flames engulfing parts of the compound.

The incident follows India’s accusation that Pakistan had endangered civil aviation by launching widespread drone attacks while keeping its airspace open to commercial flights. India stated that 300–400 Turkish-origin drones were used in a coordinated assault targeting 26 locations, from Leh to Sir Creek. Indian defence systems, including S-400s, Akash SAMs, and Barak-8 platforms, successfully neutralised the threats.

In a joint briefing on Friday, Indian Army’s Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, IAF’s Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri alleged that Pakistan had used civilian airliners as aerial cover. “Pakistan was willing to risk international air traffic safety to avoid interception of its drones,” said Colonel Qureshi.

Following these revelations and subsequent overnight blasts at key installations, Islamabad issued a NOTAM, closing its airspace. A scheduled Indian press conference at 5:45 AM was postponed to 10:00 AM amid speculation of further military developments.

India has maintained a firm stance on non-escalation, but warned of continued proportional responses if provoked.