Pakistani Hackers Claim Retaliatory Cyber Attacks After TV Channels Breached
By Tanveer Ahmed :
Pakistani cyber groups say they have carried out a series of retaliatory digital attacks after several leading television networks in Pakistan were briefly compromised with anti-military messages in what analysts described as a coordinated intrusion.
The escalation marks a new phase in an intensifying online information battle unfolding alongside wider tensions linked to reported US-Israeli military action in the region.
Pakistani Channels Briefly Hijacked
According to security analysts, three of Pakistan’s largest news broadcasters experienced simultaneous disruptions roughly 24 hours before the alleged counter-attack. Live transmissions were interrupted after Iftar, with on-screen messages critical of the country’s military leadership displayed during the breach.
Cybersecurity experts described the incident as sophisticated and potentially state-backed, although no official attribution has been made.
Indian Broadcaster Targeted
In what was presented online as a retaliatory move, Pakistani hackers claimed to have breached ABP News, one of India’s most-watched television networks.
During the incident, a “Pakistan Zindabad” message reportedly appeared on screen alongside footage supporting Pakistan’s army chief. The broadcaster’s YouTube channel, which has more than 30 million subscribers, was also said to have been temporarily accessed before control was restored.
ABP News has not publicly detailed the extent of the disruption.
Claims of Israeli Website Disruptions
Beyond India, social media accounts associated with Pakistani hacktivist networks claimed to have launched distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks on Israeli government websites and to have accessed databases allegedly linked to Mossad.
Those claims have not been independently verified. Israel’s National Cyber Directorate had not issued a public statement confirming any such breaches at the time of publication.
Regional Tensions
The reported cyber exchanges come amid heightened regional instability following claims of US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Online narratives circulating in the region alleged that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and senior commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had been killed — assertions that have not been substantiated by official confirmation.
The developments triggered a surge of online mobilisation and digital activism across several countries, with cyber groups positioning themselves as participants in the broader geopolitical confrontation.
No Official Statements
As of now, no formal statements have been issued by Pakistani, Indian or Israeli government offices confirming state involvement in the reported cyber incidents.
Cybersecurity specialists caution that claims made by hacktivist groups during periods of conflict are often difficult to verify and can form part of broader information warfare strategies.
Investigations into the breaches and alleged retaliatory actions are ongoing.
About Author
