Karachi Port Attack Claims Debunked in India-Pakistan Conflict
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Amid heightened hostilities between India and Pakistan, unverified claims of an Indian naval strike on Karachi Port have flooded social media.
The Karachi Port Trust quickly discredited the reports, attributing the posts to a hack of its official account. No official confirmation of an attack has been made, and Pakistan's government has not reported any damage to the port. The viral rumors emerged as both nations accuse each other of cross-border provocations, raising alarm across the region.
Newsweek has reached out the Indian government for comment.
Why It Matters
Concerns about the potential for a nuclear exchange have intensified following the most serious cross-border violence in years. India launched "Operation Sindoor," striking alleged militant sites in Pakistan-controlled territory, after the deadly Pahalgam attack in Kashmir which killed 26 people, most of them Indian tourists. Pakistan condemned the operation as an unprovoked act of aggression, sparking retaliatory action and a spike in regional tensions.
With two nuclear-armed neighbors engaged in escalating military exchanges, even unverified reports—such as the Karachi Port strike claim—have the potential to rapidly inflame public sentiment and invite retaliatory responses.
Supporters of Jamaat-e-Islami burn an effigy of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Indian flag during a demonstration to condemn Indian strikes in Pakistan and to show their support for Pakistan military, in Karachi, Pakistan,...
Supporters of Jamaat-e-Islami burn an effigy of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Indian flag during a demonstration to condemn Indian strikes in Pakistan and to show their support for Pakistan military, in Karachi, Pakistan, Friday, May 9, 2025. More
Fareed Khan/AP Photo
What to Know
On Friday, a series of social media posts claimed that India's naval forces had launched a strike on Karachi Port, citing alleged footage of explosions and damage.
However, the Karachi Port Trust issued a statement declaring its social media accounts had been compromised. "Our account was hacked! Karachi Port is safe and secure!" KPT announced.
The account was hacked !
Karachi Port is safe and secure ! — Karachi Port Trust Official (@official_kpt) May 9, 2025
Fake Visuals Circulate
Several posts included an image purportedly showing the strike in progress. A fact-check by The Logical Indian traced the photo to a 2020 BBC story covering bombings in Gaza, confirming it was misused in the current context.
Its show time https://t.co/fr9ih0PSNE — Vikrant Umesh Salunkhe (@Vikrant6667) May 8, 2025
U.S. Security Advisory
The U.S. Consulate in Karachi has issued a security warning citing possible terrorist threats targeting Karachi Port, further compounding confusion around recent rumors. American personnel were advised to avoid the port area until further notice.
Broader Conflict Heating Up
This incident follows multiple reported skirmishes along the Line of Control in Kashmir. Pakistan's military has claimed its forces had engaged Indian troops along the western border. India has not officially confirmed the encounter but said it was monitoring "provocations." Meanwhile, reports of drone activity and shelling from both sides have intensified in recent days.
What People Are Saying
Karachi Port Trust wrote: "Our account was hacked! Karachi Port is safe and secure!"
Pakistan Armed Forces statement: "We have launched multiple attacks in response to Indian aggression along the western border."
Indian government statement: "Indian Armed Forces reiterate their commitment to non-escalation, provided it is respected by the Pakistani military."
What Happens Next
With the potential for further escalation high, both India and Pakistan are under growing pressure to clarify their military positions and tamp down provocative rhetoric. International observers are watching closely for signs of diplomatic engagement or further confrontation.
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