Karachi/New Delhi | Updated: May 9, 2025 – 12:01 AM IST

In a significant escalation of tensions between nuclear-armed neighbours India and Pakistan, more than ten powerful blasts were reported from Karachi Harbour late Thursday night, marking a dramatic turn in what now appears to be open warfare between the two countries.

🇮🇳 India Retaliates After Drone Attacks on Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur

According to India’s Ministry of Defence, the Indian Armed Forces launched targeted strikes on Pakistan’s air defence systems earlier in the day after successfully thwarting multiple Pakistani-origin drones and missiles aimed at critical military installations across Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.

“The threats were swiftly neutralised using kinetic and non-kinetic capabilities, in line with established SOPs,” said a Defence Ministry spokesperson, confirming that no casualties or material damage occurred in India’s territory.

💥 Karachi Harbour Under Fire

Local sources in Karachi reported loud explosions and plumes of smoke rising from the Karachi Harbour, one of Pakistan’s most strategically important naval and commercial ports. Witnesses described a series of “intense” blasts that began around 11:15 PM local time, with sirens heard soon after.

While the Pakistani government has yet to issue an official statement, multiple unverified reports suggest the harbour may have housed military-grade air defence systems or logistics infrastructure, potentially justifying it as a strategic military target under the norms of conventional warfare.

🔄 Rapid Escalation: From Drone Incursion to Retaliatory Strikes

Thursday’s dramatic sequence began when Pakistan launched drone and missile attacks across the International Border in Jammu & Kashmir. The intended targets, according to Indian officials, included sensitive defence bases.

India’s swift response, which followed within hours, reportedly involved precision strikes on Pakistan’s air defence networks at undisclosed locations, though Karachi appears to be the most high-profile among them.

“India remains fully prepared to defend its sovereignty and ensure the safety of its people,” the Defence Ministry said in an official statement.

🗺️ Strategic Significance of Karachi Harbour

Karachi Harbour is not just a commercial hub—it’s a vital naval base for the Pakistan Navy and plays a crucial role in logistics, ammunition storage, and naval deployments in the Arabian Sea.

If confirmed, a successful Indian strike on this site would mark one of the most significant blows to Pakistan’s military capabilities in recent years.

🌐 International Reactions Awaited

As of now, no international responses have been issued by the United Nations, the United States, or China. However, with both countries in possession of nuclear arsenals, global diplomatic channels are expected to activate swiftly to prevent further escalation.

Analysts are watching closely for a response from Islamabad, and whether it will interpret India’s strike as proportional retaliation or an act of full-blown war.

🕵️ What We Know So Far

📢 What Could Happen Next?

Military experts believe India’s strike was likely tactically calculated to disable Pakistan’s air defence grid, creating leverage without crossing a full “red line” under international war protocols. Whether Pakistan escalates further will determine the next phase of this dangerous spiral.

“This is not just an exchange of fire—this is war in the making,” said Lt. Gen. (Retd) Rajiv Singh, a defence strategist. “We are now in uncharted territory.”

This is a developing story. Please stay tuned for verified updates. Authorities are advising citizens near border areas to remain calm but alert.