Speaking in Azerbaijan, one of the few countries that has supported Pakistan diplomatically, Sharif revealed that Indian missiles targeted key military installations, including the high-security Nur Khan airbase in Rawalpindi.

According to Sharif, Pakistan had planned a retaliatory military action for the early hours of May 10.

“On the night of May 9-10, we decided to respond in a measured fashion to Indian aggression. Our armed forces were prepared to act at 4.30 in the morning after Fajr prayers to teach a lesson.

"But before that hour even arrived, India once again launched a missile attack using BrahMos, targeting various provinces of Pakistan, including the airport in Rawalpindi,” he said.

Sharif added that he was informed about the strike by Army Chief Asim Munir, who was present at the event in Lachin and has since been promoted to Field Marshal.

This is the first time Sharif admitted Pakistan was caught off guard by India's swift military response, targeting its critical miltary establishments.

His public admission came amid visible discomfort in the Pakistan's government and the army.

The Indian attack was reportedly in retaliation to drone and missile strikes launched by Pakistan on civilian areas along India’s western border.

Among the 11 military targets hit by Indian BrahMos missiles was the Nur Khan airbase, located near the Pakistan Army Headquarters in Rawalpindi.

The base, which houses military aircraft such as Lockheed C-130 Hercules and Ilyushin Il-78 refuellers, suffered damage to at least two military transport vehicles, revealed satellite imagery.

Other military bases hit in the precision strikes included those at Rafiqui, Murid, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, and Chunian.

Additionally, Indian missiles struck bases in Skardu, Bholari, Jacobabad, and Sargodha, inflicting substantial damage.

According to sources cited by India Today, the Indian Air Force launched around 15 BrahMos missiles using Su-30MKI fighter jets.

The missiles, built jointly by India and Russia, are designed to bypass enemy air defences and strike with high precision at targets up to 300 kilometres away.

Pakistan’s Chinese-origin air defence systems reportedly failed to intercept the missiles, which followed a 'fire-and-forget' trajectory.