In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, nearly 70% of India's national power grid was reportedly disabled on Friday following a massive and coordinated cyberattack, according to Indian media and defense sources.
Emergency protocols were activated, with the Indian Ministry of Power urging citizens to remain calm.
The unprecedented digital assault came within hours of Pakistan's announcement of a new nationwide military campaign — Operation Bunyān-um-Marsūs — aimed at countering terrorism and ensuring internal security amid growing border hostilities.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operation, named after the Quranic term meaning "a solid wall," reflects Pakistan’s determination to build an unbreakable defense against extremist threats and external aggression.
"The initiative will prioritise intelligence-based operations, border security enhancement, and dismantling of militant infrastructure within Pakistan," a security official told Dawn on condition of anonymity. "This operation is a continuation of Pakistan’s resolve for internal stability and territorial sovereignty."
Missile Strikes Deepen Escalation
Later in the day, regional tensions took a sharp military turn. Security sources confirmed that Pakistan had launched a limited-range missile counterstrike targeting military installations inside India, following what Islamabad described as "India’s recent barrage of unprovoked attacks."
According to initial reports, at least three domestically developed ‘Fatah-II’ missiles were launched at strategic targets across the Indian border. One confirmed strike hit an alleged BrahMos missile storage facility near Beas in the Indian state of Punjab, inflicting considerable damage.
There has been no official response from the Indian Ministry of Defence regarding the missile attacks or the status of the damaged sites. However, high-level security meetings were reportedly convened in New Delhi late Friday evening to assess the situation.
Diplomatic Channels on Alert
The sudden escalation has prompted concerns from global powers, with early calls for restraint being issued by diplomatic missions in both capitals. Analysts have expressed alarm over the dual-use nature of the cyberattack and missile retaliation, noting the potential for further destabilization in an already volatile region.
“The disruption of India’s grid is unprecedented and hints at a level of cyber warfare not previously seen in South Asia,” said Brig (retd) Salman Shah, a defense analyst. “The cyber domain is now fully entangled with kinetic warfare. This has deep implications for regional security.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad said it remains committed to defending Pakistan’s national interests and security. “Operation Bunyān-um-Marsūs is not just about military retaliation,” a spokesperson said. “It’s about long-term national resilience against all forms of threat.”
