India-Pak Tensions: Punjab Enforces Blackout In Gurdaspur From 9 PM To 5 AM Starting Tonight

The order was issued under the Civil Defence Act, 1968, in order to increase the safety and security of people amid heightened border tensions after recent military escalations with Pakistan.

The Punjab Government, in coordination with the Centre, has issued a directive enforcing a complete blackout in Gurdaspur district from 9:00 pm to 5:00 am, which will be effective from May 8, 2025, till further notice.

The order was issued under the Civil Defence Act, 1968, in response to increase the safety and security of people amid heightened border tensions after recent military escalations with Pakistan.

"Due to a sensitive environment on the Indo-Pak border, guidelines of the Government of India and the Government of Punjab have been issued. From 9:00 pm to 5:00 am the next day, there will be a complete 'blackout' in district Gurdaspur. This order will not apply to Central Jail Gurdaspur and hospitals, though their windows must remain closed during the blackout hours to prevent light leakage," as per the government statement, news agency PTI reported.

At the same time, hospitals and the Jail of Gurdaspur were exempted from the blackout. However, as per the directives, these facilities must be securely covered from 9:00 pm to 5:00 am to avoid any light exposure.

Precision Strikes By India On Pakistan

The development followed amid escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan. On the night of May 7, Pakistan launched a coordinated attempt to strike multiple military targets across northern and western India, from Srinagar and Jammu to Bhuj, using drones and missiles. India’s air defence network, including the S-400 Sudarshan Chakra, successfully intercepted the threats.

In retaliation, the Indian Armed Forces executed precision strikes early Thursday, hitting Pakistani air defence sites, notably a key radar facility in Lahore. 

Defence sources report that over 100 terrorists have been neutralised so far under the ongoing Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. Official casualty figures are yet to be confirmed, but early assessments suggest substantial damage to Pakistan's defence infrastructure.