Operation Sindoor: In a video that has sparked widespread controversy and debate, Pakistani security expert Imtiaz Gul has made a sensational claim about the Nur Khan airbase in Rawalpindi. Gul alleges that the strategically significant airbase is “under American control,” with even senior Pakistan Army officers barred from interference. The revelation has drawn attention to the nature of US-Pakistan military cooperation and raised concerns about sovereignty and transparency in military affairs.
“Not even Army officers are allowed”
Gul’s comments, made in a viral social media video, suggest deep-rooted operational agreements between the United States and Pakistan that have never been officially disclosed. “Nur Khan Airbase is reportedly under American control — even Pakistan Army officials aren’t allowed to interfere,” Gul claimed. He further alleged that American aircraft are frequently spotted at the base, and there is a consistent lack of transparency regarding their operations and cargo.
This claim hints at secretive joint operations or special access rights that the U.S. might enjoy on Pakistani soil, which, if true, would represent a significant compromise on national sovereignty.
Strategic importance of Nur Khan Airbase
The Nur Khan airbase holds immense strategic value for Pakistan. Located just 10 kilometers from Islamabad and adjacent to Rawalpindi — the headquarters of the Pakistan Army — the airbase is crucial for both military and civil operations. It is also situated near the Strategic Plans Division, the command authority responsible for Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal.
The base houses Pakistan’s main air transport squadrons, including the C-130 Hercules and IL-78 mid-air refuelers, which are essential for logistics and airlift capabilities. Additionally, it serves as the command hub for Pakistan’s air mobility operations.
The base is also integrated with civilian infrastructure, sharing its premises with Benazir Bhutto International Airport, the PAF College Chaklala (which trains aviation cadets), and Fazaia Inter College Nur Khan, an educational institution serving military families.
Operation Sindoor
Adding to the controversy, the Indian Air Force recently targeted Nur Khan airbase during Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory precision strike in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people — mostly tourists. The operation reportedly caused damage to the airbase, highlighting its significance in regional security dynamics.
India’s decision to strike Nur Khan was not only strategic — aimed at disrupting logistical and military assets — but also symbolic, given the base’s proximity to Pakistan’s nuclear command centres and military headquarters.
Gul’s revelation, though unverified officially, raises serious questions about the level of US influence over Pakistan’s military infrastructure.
