As reported by ANI, Indian missiles struck at least four key airbases in Pakistan early Saturday. The mounting military tensions between India and its neighbouring country have further resulted in panic taking the driver’s seat in Islamabad, as all petrol pumps have been shut down for 48 hours.
On Saturday morning, shortly after reports of Pakistani airbases being hit came to the forefront, the Islamabad Capital Territory Administration’s latest directive made news. As per the executive order a complete shutdown of all petrol stations was in full swing from 6 am onwards. The formal announcement wasn’t backed by any further explanation.
According to a CNN-News18 report, the petrol pumps were possibly shut down over rising concerns tied to shortage of fuel. Similar fears appeared to have risen in India this week, but Indian Oil Corp Ltd ultimately dispelled them.
Fears of fuel shortage in India dismissed
In an official statement, the company reassured customers that there was no shortage of petrol, diesel or LPG. “Indian Oil has ample fuel stocks across the country and our supply lines are operating smoothly. There is no need for panic buying–fuel and LPG is readily available at all our outlets.”
Air Force bases in Nur Khan, Murid and Rafiqui are among the four airbases in Pakistan to be attacked early Saturday. Indian government officials called it a “calibrated response” to Pakistan military strikes in a statement to the Indian Express. The ADG PI also issued a statement, saying, “Pakistan’s blatant attempt to violate India’s sovereignty and endanger civilians is unacceptable. Indian Army will thwart enemy designs.”
Additionally, Indian Army’s official social media shared that in such incident of escalated drone strikes at around 5 am, “Multiple enemy armed drones were spotted flying over Khasa Cantt, Amritsar. The hostile drones were instantly engaged and destroyed by our air defence units.”