“Parde mein rehne do (Let it remain behind the veil)” has moved from reel life to real geopolitics. Pakistan now seems to be using this classic dialogue as a strategy — to literally cover up damage at its airbases following India’s Operation Sindoor missile strikes.
Satellite Imagery Exposes Concealment at Key Airbases
High-resolution satellite images analysed by India Today show that Pakistan has used tarpaulin sheets to obscure strike damage at at least three military installations — Murid, Jacobabad, and Bholari. In a subtle yet strategic move, some sheets even match the colour of original roofs, making the cover-up blend in with the structures.
At Bholari Air Base in Sindh, images captured by Maxar Technologies on June 4 reveal a visibly damaged hangar roof from earlier shots now neatly masked with material resembling the original roofing. Geo-intelligence expert Damien Symon from Intel Lab was among the first to identify these signs of concealment.
Crater at Murid Base Tent-Covered
At Murid Air Base in Punjab, a command and control centre struck on May 10 has now vanished beneath a green tarpaulin, as captured in a June 2 image. Most notable is a large crater — nearly 3 metres wide — next to a vital underground installation. The crater, once visible, is now tented over, in what appears to be an effort to hide the evidence of the precision strike.
Jacobabad Base Also Shows Cleanup Signs
Similarly, PAF Base Shehbaz in Jacobabad — home to Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jets — also shows signs of clean-up. Images from June 4 depict partial roof covers and debris removed from areas visibly damaged in earlier shots from May 11.
Pakistan’s Denial Strategy: Distract and Deflect
Despite clear satellite evidence pointing to significant hits across multiple locations, Pakistan has chosen to deny the impact publicly. Instead, it has focused on promoting unverifiable claims — such as downing Indian aircraft — while ignoring the undeniable visual proof of domestic damage.
In a bizarre contradiction, the country simultaneously celebrated a rare move by promoting its army chief to Field Marshal, all while downplaying the blow dealt by Operation Sindoor.
“Parda Jo Uth Gaya, Toh Bhed Khul Jayega”
As the iconic song lyric warns, “If the veil is lifted, secrets will be exposed.” The veil, in this case, is already gone. Commercial satellite imagery has made sure the world sees what Pakistan is desperately trying to hide. But Islamabad continues to look the other way, hoping the tarps will hold more than just broken roofs — perhaps also, its broken narrative.
