Who really owns Pakistan's Nur Khan airbase? Defence analyst sets off controversy; alleges US control

A shocking claim by a Pakistani security expert has raised alarms about the relationship between the US and Pakistan and the extent of their military cooperation.Imtiaz Gul, a defence analyst, alleged that the strategically important Nur Khan airbase in Rawalpindi is “under American control.” These remarks come just days after India targeted multiple airbases in Pakistan, during a precision strike, responding to the Pahalgam terror attack.In a widely shared video, Gul said that even senior Pakistan army officers are not allowed to interfere in the operations at the strategically important airbase. American airplanes at the siteHe said that many times American aircrafts could be seen at the base, though no one is aware of what may be inside or any information about their operations or cargo.

The two nations might be having an undisclosed agreement triggering concerns over the country’s military transparency, Gul suggested, quoted by ET.Why is the Nur Khan base important?This airbase, in particular, is crucial for Pakistan, as it is located near Islamabad and Rawalpindi. These twin cities are home to the Pakistan army's general headquarters and the strategic plans division, which oversees the country’s nuclear arsenal. The base is considered a central hub for Pakistan's military air transport and air mobility command.

India’s strike at NurDuring Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory mission in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, India reportedly targeted the Nur Khan airbase. The Operation reportedly left the airbase damaged, which further raised concerns over its regional security.Despite the growing uproar, Pakistan’s military and government have remained tight-lipped. There has been no official denial or confirmation of Gul’s claims, fuelling speculation about covert military arrangements between Islamabad and Washington.The situation has left many in Pakistan questioning who really controls one of the country's most critical airbases and what it means for national security.