Karachi Port Authority’s X Account Hacked Amid Indo-Pak Tensions: Report

As tensions between India and Pakistan continue to escalate, a new controversy has erupted over a post made from the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of Karachi Port Trust (KPT). The KPT has now issued a formal clarification, asserting that its account was hacked, and the message in question was not an authorised communication, reported Dawn.

KPT Denounces “Fake News” Shared From Official Handle

In a statement shared through official channels, KPT categorically disowned a viral tweet, attributing it to a security breach on the platform. “It is clarified that KPT's official X/Twitter Account was hacked,” the organisation declared. They also urged the media to verify any updates directly with their Public Relations department before broadcasting or publishing them. “Pls reconfirm the news from KPT PR before showing on media,” the statement read.

The now-deleted tweet reportedly contained provocative content blaming India and triggered widespread speculation before KPT distanced itself from the message. The incident comes at a time when both nations are already in a heightened state of alert.

Explosions Rock Karachi, Indian Navy on the Move

The disinformation row unfolded against the backdrop of reported explosions in Karachi near the port area on Thursday. Sources in the Indian Navy indicated that the Western Naval Command had mobilised key assets in the Arabian Sea, including the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, which was commissioned in 2022, and INS Visakhapatnam, a guided missile destroyer.

India’s three armed forces – the Army, Air Force, and Navy – have reportedly been placed on high alert following what officials described as “unprovoked attacks” from Pakistan. In response, India claimed to have intercepted a large number of incoming threats, including at least eight missiles in Jammu and Kashmir and 30 missiles in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer.

India Responds With Counterstrikes, Civil Aviation Tightens Security

Indian defence sources revealed that a number of Pakistani aerial assets, including an F-16 jet and two JF-17 fighters, were shot down by India’s missile defence systems. In a retaliatory move, India reportedly carried out a drone attack on Lahore, disabling the city’s air defence systems, with additional strikes impacting Karachi and Gujranwala.

In anticipation of further fallout, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has rolled out stringent security measures across all Indian airports. According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, all passengers will now be subjected to Secondary Ladder Point Checks (SLPC). Furthermore, the entry of visitors into terminal buildings has been restricted, and Air Marshals are being deployed to maintain heightened vigilance.

'Measured, Precise, and Non-Escalatory' 

Amid the spiralling conflict, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri reaffirmed India's intent to retaliate firmly but responsibly. “India’s retaliatory moves against Pakistan’s terror attacks were measured, precise, and non-escalatory,” Misri said in an official statement.

The latest developments follow the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, India, which was claimed by the Pakistan-backed group ‘The Resistance Front’ and resulted in the death of 26 people. In response, India initiated Operation Sindoor, targeting militant installations across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). These strikes reportedly prompted Pakistan to launch a series of retaliatory actions, many of which were intercepted or neutralised by Indian forces.

With both military and digital fronts now active, the region watches closely as tensions teeter on the brink of wider escalation.

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