India’s BrahMos Strike on Nur Khan Airbase: 30 Seconds That Nearly Triggered Nuclear War

Rawalpindi (Punjab) [Pakistan], July 03: Operation sindoor was India's reply to pahalgam terror attack. During Operation Sindoor, a BrahMos missile was launched by India. The missile landed near Pakistan's Nur Khan Airbase. It is a moment described by Pakistani officials as extremely tense. As per Rana Sanaullah who is a senior advisor to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan had only 30 to 45 seconds to determine whether the missile was armed with a nuclear warhead. That tight window of time felt like an eternity to Pakistan. Pakistan’s leaders feared one mistake could lead to a global disaster. The missile strike was in reply to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that had taken 26 innocent lives, pushing India to respond strongly to eliminate terror bases across the border.

A Dangerous Decision in Just Seconds

Sanaullah’s statement underlined how close both countries came to a serious conflict. In those tense seconds, Pakistan's military needed to decide if the missile carried a nuclear payload. Had there been a wrong call or emotional response, it could have led to something terrible. These few seconds were not just about defence. But those were also about maturity and calm under pressure. It showed how a single moment can carry the weight of an entire nation’s future. He mentioned that such a strike, if misread, could have turned into a dangerous nuclear reaction.

Inside Operation Sindoor and Its Impact

India’s Operation Sindoor on May 7 was a major response to the Pahalgam attack. The Indian Air Force targeted only terrorists  but not civilians. Those targetted in the attack were terrorists of Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. More than 100 terrorists were reportedly eliminated in those strikes. When Pakistan tried to hit back by targeting Indian civilian and military zones, India hit harder. On May 9-10 night, Indian forces struck key Pakistani airbases including Nur Khan, Sargodha, Jacobabad, and Murid. This direct hit on Nur Khan airbase showed India’s readiness to act if provoked and also showed how fast things could escalate.

How Leaders Reacted in Real Time

After the airstrike, Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif was informed by Army Chief Asim Munir at 2:30 am about the attack on Nur Khan. The fear of further damage led Islamabad to seek a way to stop the fighting. Deputy PM Ishaq Dar later admitted that Saudi Prince Faisal offered to speak to Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar. Dar agreed and the prince conveyed Pakistan's readiness to stop. This behind-the-scenes diplomacy played a role in slowing down the tension and avoiding more destruction. It was a quiet step that helped save lives on both sides.

Ceasefire: A Breather After Four Days

Both countries saw a four days of intense exchange. On May 10 both India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire. Pakistan had suffered damage at key airbases. Leaders knew the cost of further conflict would be too high. The incident reminds people how important cool minds are during heated moments. In these moments, countries must choose their path carefully. Whether in war or peace, every second counts. This event might not be remembered by all, but it surely changed something big.