IN A DRAMATIC ESCALATION OF TENSIONS BETWEEN INDIA AND PAKISTAN, MAJOR CITIES ACROSS PAKISTAN—INCLUDING LAHORE, KARACHI, AND ISLAMABAD—EXPERIENCED WIDESPREAD BLACKOUTS LATE THURSDAY NIGHT.(PHOTO).

 In a dramatic escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan, major cities across Pakistan—including Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad—experienced widespread blackouts late Thursday night.

 The outages coincided with reports of missile strikes and aerial engagements between the two nations. While the Pakistani government has not officially attributed the blackouts to any specific cause, the timing has raised concerns about the stability of the national power grid amid heightened military activities.

Residents in affected areas reported sudden power losses, with entire neighborhoods plunged into darkness. The outages disrupted daily life, halting public transportation, affecting hospital operations, and causing widespread confusion. In Karachi, the country’s economic hub, businesses were forced to close early, and emergency services operated under challenging conditions.

The blackout follows a series of retaliatory actions between India and Pakistan. Earlier this week, India conducted “Operation Sindoor,” targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam. Subsequently, Pakistan launched drone and missile attacks targeting Indian cities, which were intercepted by India’s advanced air defense systems. The ongoing military exchanges have heightened fears of a broader conflict, with both nations placing their armed forces on high alert.

As the situation develops, international observers have called for restraint and dialogue to prevent further escalation. The United Nations and other global entities have urged both nations to prioritize diplomatic solutions over military actions. Meanwhile, citizens on both sides of the border brace for potential further disruptions amid the uncertain geopolitical climate.