Karachi port destroyed by Indian Navy? Here's what Karachi Port Trust official Twitter handle says

Amid viral claims of Indian Navy's INS Vikrant launching attacks on Karachi port, a tweet posted by the official handle of the Karachi Port Trust on Thursday 'confirmed' that the port had sustained significant damage following a reported strike by the Indian Navy. Later, the Karachi port clarified in a tweet that the account was hacked.

In a tweet, the Karachi Port Trust stated:

“Karachi Port has sustained heavy damage following a strike by India resulting in unacceptable loss of property. Emergency response efforts are underway. Updates on restoration will be provided regularly. We stand resilient,” the port had posted on X.

No official word from Indian authorities yet

The reports of attack on Karachi port were going viral on social media since last night. Indian defence authorities have not released any official statement regarding the reported operation. However, various media reports have indicated that the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet, operating out of Mumbai, has been fully mobilised and placed on high alert.

The military action is being linked to recent Pakistani drone and missile attacks on Indian territories across Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan. Indian air defence systems were reportedly successful in intercepting several threats, including drones and eight missiles.

Similar confusion over Pakistan’s international loan appeal post

Earlier in the morning, a message appeared on the official X account of Pakistan’s Economic Affairs Division, appealing to global institutions like the World Bank for additional financial support. The post claimed that the country had suffered “heavy losses inflicted by the enemy” following reported Indian military strikes a day earlier.

Reuters withdraws report, says post was incorrect

International news agency Reuters initially reported the loan appeal, citing the post from the Economic Affairs Division’s social media account. However, it later withdrew the article, stating that the information was incorrect. In an advisory, Reuters said the story had been removed because it was inaccurate.

Pakistan Government says account was hacked

Following the incident, Pakistan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs clarified that its X account had been compromised. The ministry disowned the message and stated that the contents of the now-deleted post did not reflect the government’s position.

Social media footage aligns with reported strike

Videos showing explosions near Karachi Port went viral on Thursday. One widely circulated clip was posted by a user named Vikrant Umesh Salunkhe, with the caption: “Its show time https://t.co/fr9ih0PSNE”

The footage has intensified public speculation, although neither the Indian government nor its armed forces have confirmed or denied involvement in the incident.

Past precedent: India’s 1971 naval offensive

India had last launched naval attacks against Karachi during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. At the time, the Indian Navy executed Operation Trident and Operation Python, both of which inflicted severe damage on Pakistan’s naval capabilities and logistics infrastructure.

Overlapping naval drills raise regional concerns

Adding to the tension, both India and Pakistan have notified simultaneous naval exercises in the Arabian Sea. India's drills are scheduled from May 8 to 13, and Pakistan’s from May 9 to 12, resulting in four days of operational overlap.