New Delhi: India’s recent high-precision surgical strike has once again shifted the world’s attention to Pakistan’s most sensitive asset—its nuclear weapons. In a bold and unprecedented military action, the Indian Army reportedly targeted key military bases inside Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and deep within Pakistan’s own territory, raising serious questions about the safety of Islamabad’s nuclear command structure.
Critical Bases Hit – Damage at Noor Khan, Rafiqui, Mureed, Sukkur, and Sialkot
Among the bases hit, strategic airbases such as Noor Khan, Rafiqui, Mureed, Sukkur, and Sialkot suffered significant damage. Noor Khan Airbase, known for its role in military logistics and aerial refueling, has long been linked to Pakistan’s nuclear infrastructure. Sukkur Airbase is even considered within the perimeter of Pakistan’s nuclear storage facilities. These hits have exposed glaring vulnerabilities in Pakistan’s defense grid, alarming both domestic and international observers.
Global Worry: Are Pakistan’s Nuclear Weapons Really Safe?
The attack has sparked global anxiety, with concerns emerging in Washington, Brussels, and other world capitals. With Pakistan’s track record of harboring terror groups and unstable military leadership, Western powers, especially the United States, fear a worst-case scenario—Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal falling into the wrong hands. This fear intensified after unconfirmed sightings of American nuclear emergency support aircraft in Pakistani airspace surfaced on social media, suggesting a possible crisis response scenario.
India Clarifies: “No Strike on Nuclear Sites”
Responding to growing speculation, Air Marshal A.K. Bharti stated, “We did not strike Kirana Hills. That was not on our public target list.” Kirana Hills is rumored to be a highly classified nuclear research and storage location in Pakistan. Despite the clarification, international watchdogs have ramped up monitoring activity in the region, indicating continuing distrust.
Pakistan Cornered, U.S. Sees Strategic Opportunity
India’s surgical strikes have left Pakistan cornered—militarily and diplomatically. Sources suggest that Islamabad may now be forced to grant the U.S. access to key strategic bases in exchange for security guarantees. Washington has long sought military footholds in Pakistan, but Islamabad resisted due to Chinese pressure and internal politics. The current crisis may give the U.S. a long-awaited strategic opening.
India’s Confidence Grows, World Eyes Pakistan’s Next Move
Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon commented, “The security of nuclear weapons is a global responsibility. If Pakistan cannot demonstrate its competence, international oversight will become inevitable.” The statement underscores India’s growing global trust and Pakistan’s eroding credibility.
The Fallout of Operation Sindoor
Operation Sindoor has not only inflicted military damage but also triggered a diplomatic and strategic churn that could redefine South Asia’s nuclear dynamics. As questions mount over the safety of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons, India’s calculated aggression appears to have not only secured tactical victories but also tilted the geopolitical balance in its favor.
