ISLAMABAD: The Cabinet Division has issued an urgent cybersecurity alert after detecting a coordinated hacking attempt allegedly orchestrated by Indian state-backed actors, using the “Pahalgam Incident” as a digital trap to infiltrate Pakistan’s government and defense systems.
According to the advisory, hackers are distributing malware-laced files through emails, WhatsApp messages, and other communication platforms, posing as news or intelligence updates about the recent events in Pahalgam.
These files, often carrying subject lines like “Pahalgam Incident”, are designed to steal sensitive information, including photographs, internal documents, and potentially classified defense data, if opened.
Government Urged to Tighten Digital Defenses
The Cabinet Division has called on all federal and provincial institutions to immediately strengthen their cybersecurity protocols. It warned that the campaign appears to be part of a broader cyber-espionage operation likely backed by an Indian intelligence-linked network.
Key recommendations from the advisory include:
- Avoid opening emails or messages from unknown senders.
- Scan all attachments using verified antivirus software.
- Report suspicious digital activity to IT security teams without delay.
- Update all firewall and antivirus systems, and ensure regular cybersecurity training for staff.
Social Engineering Meets Cyber Warfare
Security analysts say this form of attack reflects a growing trend of social engineering, where adversaries exploit real-world events — in this case, the Pahalgam incident — to gain user trust and breach high-security networks.
“This is more than just a phishing campaign — it’s a targeted cyber offensive aimed at the heart of Pakistan’s strategic institutions,” said a senior cybersecurity expert involved in tracking regional threats.
Digital Vigilance the First Line of Defense
The alert comes amid rising regional tensions and an uptick in cross-border digital incursions. Government departments have been told to consider any file referencing Pahalgam or similar incidents as a potential red flag, especially if sourced from unknown or unofficial channels.
The Cabinet Division reiterated that national cybersecurity is now a frontline defense concern, and urged agencies to treat every suspicious message as a serious threat.
