Blackouts in parts of Punjab amid Pak retaliation threat

New Delhi/Chandigarh: Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, multiple areas in Punjab, including Pathankot and Gurdaspur, plunged into a complete blackout late Wednesday night.

The disruption comes hours after Pakistan launched a retaliatory offensive following India’s precision airstrikes under Operation Sindoor, which targeted nine terror hideouts across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Residents in Pathankot and Gurdaspur districts reported sudden power outages, heightening anxiety in the border areas already on high alert. While authorities have not officially confirmed the reason for the blackouts, security officials say it is part of precautionary measures following intelligence alerts on possible missile or drone threats from across the border.

Meanwhile, in Jammu, several loud explosions were heard through the night, as Pakistan fired multiple projectiles, including drones and missiles, into Indian territory.

India’s defence systems, including the S-400 Sudarshan Chakra air defence units, were activated in response. According to media reports, at least eight Pakistani missiles targeting Jammu were intercepted and destroyed mid-air, preventing major damage or casualties.