n the ever-evolving landscape of modern warfare, May 10 marked a turning point that showcased Pakistan’s military and technological capabilities, not just in traditional combat but also in the digital domain. When Pakistan responded decisively to Indian aggression, it didn’t merely neutralise Indian air defence systems—it also dealt a significant blow to India’s perceived dominance in the realm of information technology. This multidimensional counterstrike redefined the contours of conflict and positioned Pakistan as a rising cyber power in the region.

On the morning of May 10, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyan um Marsoos, a high-impact retaliatory campaign. Pakistani forces targeted Indian military outposts that were being used to threaten civilian and military infrastructure across the border. However, the response was not limited to kinetic action. A significant aspect of the operation was cyber warfare—an invisible battlefield where Pakistan’s moves stunned the world.

Pakistan’s cyber forces reportedly launched a coordinated and broad-based cyber offensive aimed at paralysing Indian military communications, disrupting defencse-related IT infrastructure and rendering key civilian digital support systems non-operational. The targets included India’s air force communication networks, government websites, power grids in major states, railway operations, airport digital systems and installations in the petroleum sector. According to available reports, cyber teams temporarily disabled Eastern, Northern and Southern Load Dispatch Centres, plunging several regions—including Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, the Punjab, Karnataka and Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

To monitor the situation in real-time, Pakistani cyber experts even infiltrated CCTV networks of critical Indian institutions. The operation not only demonstrated Pakistan’s growing cyber capabilities but also revealed glaring vulnerabilities in India’s much-touted digital infrastructure.

Globally, digital assets have surpassed $4.1 trillion in value, growing at an annual rate of more than 15 percent. India currently leads the region in IT exports, generating about $180 billion annually through technology services. Pakistan, on the other hand, only began prioritising this sector post-Covid. Its IT exports have now crossed the $3 billion mark - a promising trajectory that reflects rapid growth.

Prof Rehan Hasan, founder of the Fake News Watchdog, has emphasised the strategic relevance of cyber warfare in modern military doctrine. He noted that cyberattacks are not just about disrupting systems, they are also about altering the battlefield narrative and handicapping the adversary’s response mechanisms. “Cyber warfare is no longer optional,” he says. “It is a core element of a modern defence strategy.”

The balance of power in the region will now depend not just on conventional arsenals, but also on digital defences. Cyber investment and the formulation of global standards for digital conflict resolution are crucial moving forward.

India has invested heavily in this domain in recent years, establishing institutions like the Defence Cyber Agency and Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In). Indian hackers have targeted Pakistani institutions in the past. There have been several attempts to breach government web and mobile phone networks. Pakistan began bolstering its cybersecurity defences and has since made significant strides.

Aamir Jahangir, founder of Mishal Pakistan, sees the recent developments as part of a paradigm shift in how wars are fought. “Pakistan’s use of cyber capabilities in tandem with conventional military strength sends a clear message: the digital domain is no longer a support system, it is a frontline,” he says.

Jahangir has also highlighted Pakistan’s establishment of key institutions like the National Pakistan Computer Emergency Response Team (PK-CERT) and the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCAI). These moves reflect a strategic acknowledgment of cyber security as a pillar of national power.

A clear takeaway from the Battle for Truth is that cyber capabilities are not a luxury —they are a necessity. The balance of power in the region will now depend not just on conventional arsenals, but also on digital defences. Cyber investment and the formulation of global standards for digital conflict resolution are crucial moving forward.

Cybersecurity, of course, extends beyond military considerations. It is fundamental to protecting data, maintaining business continuity and ensuring economic resilience. Every day more than 30,000 cyberattacks are reported. This means that every 11 seconds businesses and nations are grappling with rising risks. Some projections show that the global cybersecurity market will hit $271 billion by 2029.

Usman Asif, founder of the tech firm Devsinc, believes that Pakistan has the potential to close the gap with India swiftly. “AI and cybersecurity have leveled the playing field,” he says. “What took others decades to build, Pakistan can achieve within a few years—if we act fast and smart.” He emphasises the need for academic-industry collaboration to produce cybersecurity professionals with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on expertise.

The events of May 10 have made one thing clear: Pakistan is no longer a passive observer in the digital arms race. Its cyber experts have not only defended national interest but also exposed systemic flaws in the Indian digital defence matrix. As Pakistan continues to rise in this arena, it holds the potential to become a formidable player not just in regional security, but also in the global cybersecurity economy.

The writer is a journalist. He can be reached at @rajajournalist.