Pakistani Analyst Claims Noor Khan Airbase Under U.S. Control, Raising Sovereignty Concerns

Pakistani Analyst Claims Noor Khan Airbase Under U.S. Control, Raising Sovereignty Concerns

Last Updated Jun - 07 - 2025, 05:14 PM | Source : Fela News

Pakistani defense expert alleges Noor Khan Airbase near Rawalpindi is controlled by the U.S., fueling debate on Pakistan’s military sovereignty amid rising Indi

A Pakistani defense analyst, Imtiaz Gul, has made startling claims that the strategically vital Noor Khan Airbase near Rawalpindi is effectively under U.S. control. According to Gul, even senior Pakistani military officials reportedly have limited access to certain parts of the base, with some sectors allegedly managed exclusively by American personnel. The base, located about 10 kilometers from Islamabad and close to Pakistan Army headquarters, serves as a key hub for military logistics, hosting aircraft such as C-130 and IL-78 transport planes.

These allegations have emerged following India’s Operation Sindoor on May 7, which reportedly targeted this base. Gul’s assertions gain further weight from observed frequent American aircraft movements in and out of the facility. The claims have sparked fresh debate over the nature of U.S.-Pakistan military cooperation and raised questions about Pakistan’s sovereign control over its critical military infrastructure.

The accusations come amid the broader context of America’s extensive overseas military footprint. The U.S. maintains around 128 known bases across 55 countries worldwide, including key allies in Asia and the Middle East. Despite scaling back operations in some regions like Syria, Washington continues to hold strategic bases in countries such as Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines, reflecting its global security interests.

In this framework, the Noor Khan Airbase controversy highlights how international military agreements can complicate national sovereignty. The situation has sparked public debate in Pakistan about transparency and the terms of such partnerships, potentially impacting regional security dynamics amid ongoing tensions in South Asia. Official responses from both Pakistan and the U.S. are awaited.

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