Pakistan’s Target Map: Key Indian Locations Attempted

NEW DELHI/ISLAMABAD — In the path of a rapidly escalating service crisis between India and Pakistan, spying information and authorised statements have announced that Pakistan’s armed squads allegedly plotted blended observation missions and risked cyber intrusions targeting critical Indian infrastructure and strategic places. The developments mark one of the most tense flashpoints between the two nuclear-armed neighbours in recent years, following the May 8 incident in Lahore that acted as a major trigger.

A Plot Uncovered: The Target Map

According to senior Indian defence and intelligence officials, a recently intercepted dossier—being described as a “target map”—allegedly outlines a list of key Indian installations identified by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and military planners. These include airbases, radar stations, and logistics hubs in Indian states bordering Pakistan, with special attention to facilities in Punjab, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, and Gujarat.

Among the locations reportedly marked were:

• Pathankot Airbase (Punjab) – A high-security airbase that has been targeted in the past, most notably in 2016.
• Jaisalmer and Barmer Military Installations (Rajasthan) – Forward bases near the India-Pakistan border.
• Bhatinda Military Airstrip – Recently upgraded for rapid fighter deployment.
• Gandhinagar Communications Hub (Gujarat) – A strategic node for military data transmission.
• Jammu Ammunition Depot – Critical for operations in the northern theatre.

Indian officials claim that the detailed reconnaissance operations conducted using surveillance drones and cyber reconnaissance tools were intercepted by Indian cyber defence units late last week. While no kinetic strikes were launched, the probing activities are being treated as “preparation for potential hybrid warfare.”

Cyber Intrusions and Drone Activity

The Indian Ministry of Defence confirmed that multiple cyber intrusion attempts were made against defence communication networks, targeting login protocols of officers in the Western Command and data servers of the Indian Air Force’s logistics division. The National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) reported a sharp rise in “state-linked cyber anomalies” originating from IP clusters linked to Pakistan-based servers.

Simultaneously, Indian Air Force (IAF) radars around the Rajasthan-Punjab passage reportedly caught low-flying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) endeavouring to strike the transnational border beneath the guise of agricultural drones. IAF troopers were scrambled doubled in the past week to preclude possible attacks, with no established shootdowns but elevated alert supported.

“These aren’t random attempts. There’s a discernible pattern indicating pre-operational surveillance. They want to test our thresholds and readiness,” said an IAF official on condition of anonymity.

Aftermath of the Lahore Incident

The rising tensions follow the deadly incident in Lahore on May 8, where a massive blast at a military convoy site killed over 30 personnel, including several high-ranking officers. While the Pakistani government initially attributed the attack to “domestic extremists,” subsequent unofficial briefings hinted at Indian involvement—an allegation firmly denied by New Delhi. India has called the accusations “unfounded and inflammatory,” pointing instead to internal militant groups active within Pakistan’s Punjab province . However, the tit-for-tat war of terms has before escalated into a full-blown prudent standoff, with both sides acknowledging diplomats and breaking off backchannel discussions.

Military Movements on Both Sides

In the aftermath, both countries have carried other service assets nigher to the Line of Control (LoC) and the transnational boundary. India has deployed upgraded S-400 air defence systems, Su-30 MKI and Rafale squadrons to Punjab and Rajasthan. Similarly, Pakistan has increased troop presence near the Sialkot, Rahim Yar Khan, and Bahawalpur sectors, along with artillery reinforcements and forward command structures. Satellite imagery from independent defence analysts shows new Pakistani field deployments near the Shakargarh bulge and increased aerial surveillance over the Cholistan Desert. The Indian Army, meanwhile, has begun limited evacuation drills in forward villages along the border.

Security Alerts and Civil Impact

Amid these outcomes, the Indian government allocated a Level 3 security warning across major cities, including Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, and Chandigarh. All police departures in Delhi-NCR have been cancelled, and central paramilitary units have been placed on high alert. Regional airspace protocols are currently in effect at Amritsar, Jammu, Jaipur, and Srinagar airfields, with commercial flights facing delays or forwarding counting on the evolving danger geography. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has urged airlines to be ready for possible further disturbances.

The Defence Ministry has also begun contingency planning with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), training civilian infrastructure in the event of escalation.

Global Reactions and Diplomatic Manoeuvres

The crisis has sparked deep concern internationally. The United Nations has called for “immediate de-escalation and direct communication” between the two sides. The United States and the United Kingdom have urged both countries to avoid actions that may inadvertently trigger wider conflict.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry, while remaining neutral, offered to mediate through “mutually agreeable diplomatic channels.” Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are reportedly facilitating backchannel communications between Delhi and Islamabad to lower tensions. “This is a dangerous moment,” said one senior diplomat from the European Union. “We’re seeing a mix of modern hybrid warfare, misinformation, and forward military posturing. The risk of miscalculation is very high.”

Media and Public Response

Media coverage in both countries has been sharply nationalistic. Pakistani news networks have accused India of “warmongering,” while Indian outlets have highlighted the threat posed by Pakistan’s alleged targeting operations. Social media in both nations has seen a spike in provocative statements, conspiracy theories, and calls for retribution, producing country advisories on the responsible use of digital platforms. Civil society groups, especially in border states, have urged calm and are calling for renewed dialogue. In India’s Punjab and Jammu regions, several citizen-led peace vigils were held, even as military convoys continued to roll toward forward areas.

Intelligence Sources: More Targets Feared

Indian intelligence agencies believe the intercepted “target map” may represent only a portion of the planned objectives. High-level meetings between the National Security Advisor, Chief of Defence Staff, and Intelligence Bureau have concluded that Pakistan’s intent may also include sabotage attempts on transportation and communication nodes deeper within India, such as railway junctions, fuel depots, or power grids. “A modern conflict won't begin with tanks. It will begin with power failures, hacked GPS systems, and grounded air traffic. That’s the level of planning we’re dealing with,” said a former RAW official familiar with past India-Pakistan hostilities.

Pakistan's Denial and Counterclaims

Islamabad has dismissed India’s allegations as “fabricated and diversionary.” In a late-night press briefing, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister accused India of waging a “disinformation campaign” to distract from alleged human rights issues in Kashmir. “Pakistan remains committed to peace but will not tolerate any aggression,” said the spokesperson of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The ISPR also accused Indian forces of unprovoked firing at the LoC in the Poonch sector, a claim denied by Indian Army sources.

The Road Ahead: Uncertain and Volatile

As spying instruments consider potential effects, both governments face severe household pressure to strengthen. With elections coming in India and financial fluctuation engaging Pakistan, political stakes are high. Analysts warn that the current trajectory—absent third-party mediation or a breakthrough in communication—could lead to a prolonged standoff or even a limited military exchange. Past crises, such as the Kargil conflict in 1999 or the Balakot strikes in 2019, underline how rapidly controlled provocations can spiral into broader conflict. For now, both nations appear locked in a dangerous chess match, with surveillance tools, cyber capabilities, and strategic posturing taking centre stage.

Conclusion

The discovery of Pakistan’s “target map” has brought the region to the brink of yet another major confrontation. As surveillance escalates and military units mobilise, the spectre of conflict looms over South Asia. While backchannel diplomacy offers a faint hope, the window for peaceful resolution narrows with each passing hour.

Last Updated on : May 9, 2025