Fuel Shortages Force Pakistan to Cut Army Supplies and Cancel Drills; Cyber Attacks on Indian Websites Foiled
Fuel shortages in Pakistan have led to a series of measures by the military, including cutting army supplies, canceling drills, and stopping war games. Simultaneously, attempts by Pakistan-backed hacker groups to breach Indian websites were successfully foiled by Indian security agencies on May 1.
Pakistan’s Military Preparedness Impacted by Fuel Shortages
According to sources, Pakistan has been compelled to reduce food supplies, halt military exercises, and cancel planned war games due to fuel limitations. The country’s decision to cut army supplies and ammunition exports in the face of fuel shortages has significantly weakened its defense capabilities, potentially compromising security in future conflicts. This move comes at a time when Pakistan faces financial challenges such as high inflation, mounting debt, and shrinking foreign currency reserves, all of which have adversely affected military operations.
Concerns Over Ammunition Shortages and Military Readiness
The scarcity of essential ammunition like 155mm shells for M109 howitzers and 122mm rockets for BM-21 systems has raised serious concerns within the Pakistani military, affecting its readiness to defend against potential offensives from India. Reports suggest that the Pakistani Military leadership is apprehensive about the implications of the ammunition deficit, as highlighted during the Special Corps Commanders Conference held on May 2, 2025. Former Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa had previously cautioned about Pakistan’s inadequate ammunition and economic capacity for sustaining prolonged conflicts with India.
The reliance of Pakistan’s military strategy on artillery and armored units exacerbates the impact of ammunition shortages, with social media posts in April 2025 pointing to crucial 155mm artillery ammunition being sent to Ukraine, leading to critically low reserves.
Challenges Faced by Pakistan’s Ordnance Factories and Ammunition Reserves
Pakistan’s ordnance factories are reportedly struggling to replenish supplies due to surging global demand and outdated production facilities. Recent arms deals with Ukraine have further depleted Pakistan’s war reserves, leaving it with limited ammunition stocks that can sustain only 96 hours of high-intensity conflict. The reliance on swift deployment tactics, essential for countering India’s superior forces, is heavily dependent on adequate artillery and armored divisions.
“The ammunition shortages pose a significant threat to Pakistan’s defensive capabilities and readiness for potential conflict scenarios,” said a military analyst.
Future Implications and Next Steps
As Pakistan grapples with fuel shortages and the repercussions on its military preparedness, the need for strategic planning and resource management becomes paramount. The country must address the challenges posed by dwindling ammunition reserves by exploring avenues for replenishment and modernization of its defense infrastructure to maintain a credible deterrent against potential adversaries.
Furthermore, the thwarted cyber attacks on Indian websites signal an ongoing cyber warfare dynamic between the two nations, highlighting the critical role of cybersecurity in the modern age of conflicts.
Conclusion
The confluence of fuel shortages impacting military operations and the cybersecurity domain underscores the multifaceted challenges facing Pakistan in safeguarding its national security interests. As geopolitical tensions persist in the region, Pakistan faces the imperative to enhance its defense capabilities while adapting to evolving cyber threats, ensuring its resilience in the face of adversarial maneuvers.