India, June 20 -- In a rare and open admission, Pakistan's deputy prime minister, Ishaq Dar, confirmed that it was Islamabad that requested a ceasefire after two of their key air bases were hit by India.

While speaking on a television news show, Dar clearly stated that India struck Nur Khan and Shorkot air bases in Rawalpindi and Punjab province as part of Operation Sindoor, which was carried out in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.

"Unfortunately, India once again launched missile strikes at 2:30 AM. They attacked the Nur Khan Air Base and Shorkot Air Base. Within 45 minutes, Saudi Prince Faisal called me. He said he had just learnt about my conversation with (US Secretary of State) Marco Rubio. He asked if he was authorised to t...