FACT CHECK: Viral Claim That 70% of India’s Power Grid Was Hit by Pakistan Cyberattack Is Fake

False claim debunked about Pakistan cyberattack on India's power grid

PIB debunks viral false claim about cyberattack on Indian power infrastructure

Claim: 70% of India’s Power Grid Was Hit by Pakistan Cyberattack

Fact: False

Pakistan’s Cyber Propaganda Exposed Amid Rising Tensions

As tensions between India and Pakistan reach boiling point, misinformation has become another weapon of warfare. A sensational claim flooded social media alleging that 70% of India’s power grid had collapsed due to a Pakistani cyberattack. The narrative was timed to coincide with the Indian military’s retaliatory strike, Operation Sindoor, following the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22.

But let’s set the record straight: this claim is entirely fake.

The False Narrative

Several Pakistani social media handles—many of which are known to peddle propaganda—shared an unverified video claiming a massive cyberattack had crippled India’s national electricity infrastructure. The footage was accompanied by a photo allegedly showing missile strikes, stoking fears of full-scale warfare.

The intention? To trigger panic and mislead citizens, especially during a sensitive time when both nations are on high alert.

PIB Busts the Misinformation

India’s Press Information Bureau (PIB), the official fact-checking authority, promptly intervened and debunked the viral claim. In an X (formerly Twitter) post, PIB said:

“⚠️ False Claim Circulating Online!
Social media posts are asserting that a cyber attack by #Pakistan has caused 70% of India’s electricity grid to become dysfunctional.
Fact Check: This claim is completely false. India’s power grid is fully operational.”

🚨 Attention: False Claim Circulating Online! 🚨

Social media posts are asserting that a cyber attack by #Pakistan has caused 70% of India's electricity grid to become dysfunctional.#PIBFactCheck

❌This claim is #FAKE #IndiaFightsPropaganda pic.twitter.com/8Gcmcm4vYq
— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) May 10, 2025

This message from PIB underscores the importance of verifying news before sharing, particularly in times of national security threats.

Pakistan’s Desperate Disinformation Tactics

This is not the first time Pakistan has resorted to fake news to create hysteria. As India’s defense forces successfully thwarted drone infiltrations and pushed back cross-border violations, Islamabad appears to have shifted its strategy to digital misinformation campaigns. Social media has become their new battleground—but the Indian public is increasingly equipped with tools of digital literacy and official channels like PIB Fact Check.

Stay Vigilant. Trust Official Sources.

In such high-tension environments, every unverified post can become a trigger for widespread confusion or unnecessary alarm. This is a reminder for every responsible citizen:
Do not trust unverified videos or viral images.
Do not forward unconfirmed news.
Do rely only on verified sources like PIB, Indian Armed Forces, or reputed media platforms.