Pakistan beefs up cyber defences amid escalation with India

Pakistan’s National Computer Emergency Response Team (NCERT) has issued a warning about a surge in cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns amid escalating tensions between the Islamic Republic and India.

The response team reports that cybercriminals are exploiting the atmosphere of uncertainty to carry out complex cyber operations targeting critical national networks, Caliber.Az reports, citing Pakistani media.

These include phishing schemes, the spread of fake news, and the circulation of malicious links via social media and messaging platforms.

NCERT noted that the perpetrators aim to sow uncertainty and panic by spreading false information.

"Together, we can prevent the spread of disinformation and protect our digital frontiers," the agency stated.

Authorities also claim that rapid response mechanisms and threat mitigation efforts are already in place. Citizens were reminded to trust only credible sources of information.

In the early hours of May 7, tensions between India and Pakistan escalated dramatically following India's launch of "Operation Sindoor," a series of missile strikes targeting locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

The Indian Air Force struck nine targets across Bahawalpur, Muridke, Kotli, Muzaffarabad, and Sialkot. Indian officials stated that the sites were used by militant outfits including Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen. The operation lasted just under half an hour and involved Rafale fighter jets armed with SCALP cruise missiles and AASM Hammer precision-guided munitions.

Islamabad strongly condemned the strikes, denouncing them as an "unprovoked and blatant act of war." Pakistani officials reported the deaths of at least 26 civilians and injuries to 46 others, including women and children. Damage was said to include mosques and residential areas in Kotli, Muzaffarabad, Bahawalpur, and Muridke.

In response, Pakistan claimed to have downed five Indian aircraft and carried out retaliatory missile attacks on Indian-held Kashmir, destroying a brigade-level military headquarters.

By Khagan Isayev