Pakistan army chief Asim Munir hid in bunker as India attacked Nur Khan air base: Report

Pakistan army chief General Asim Munir

Pakistan army chief General Asim Munir was reportedly moved to a bunker after India launched precision strikes on the strategic Nur Khan air base near Islamabad, CNN-News18 revealed citing sources.

Munir was taken to a fortified bunker within the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi in the early hours of Saturday when Indian missiles struck the air base.

Sources told CNN-News18 that the hurried relocation of Munir may have been a tactical response but leaves a psychological impact on the country about India's ability to strike deep inside Pakistan.

The report said that Pakistan may also shift the operational base following the attack.

The strategic Nur Khan airbase is located just 10km from Pakistan's capital and serves as a highly sensitive military compound. It houses multiple transport squadrons, aerial refueling units, and PAF College Chaklala, a training ground for future air force leaders.

Imagery released by a Chinese satellite firm (MIZAZVISION) helps spotlight damage at Pakistans Nur Khan Airbase - the Indian Air Force precision strike appears to have focused on disabling infrastructure & ground support vehicles present on site at the time pic.twitter.com/f4q2OTinCp

Damien Symon (@detresfa_) May 11, 2025

It also has critical assets such as Saab Erieye surveillance systems, IL-78 refuelling aircraft, and C-130 transporters, the report said.

The base also lies in close proximity to the headquarters of Pakistan’s Strategic Plans Division, which oversees and secures the country’s nuclear arsenal—now estimated to comprise 170 or more warheads. These warheads are believed to be spread across various locations throughout the country.

Satellite pictures from Chinese firm MIZAZVISION and India’s Kawa Space show that the base suffered extensive structural damage following India's strikes, with fuel trucks and warehouse roof getting destroyed. The debris can be seen scattered near the runway.

India's move to strike 11 Pakistani airbases with BrahMos, HAMMER and SCALP missiles—an action even bigger in scale than Operation Sindoor—triggered serious concerns in the neighbouring country. “Within 3 hours, 11 bases were attacked, including Nur Khan, Rafiqui, Murid, Sukkur, Sialkot, Pasrur, Chunian, Sargodha, Skaru, Bholari and Jacobabad," DGMO Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai said during a joint press briefing on May 11.

The attack on the Nur Khan base was reportedly the turning point in the escalating conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. Both sides agreed to halt military action on Saturday.