Pakistan's commercial capital Karachi braced itself for cyclone Phet as meteorologists warned that it could cause havoc and disrupt life in the coastal areas near the city and in the Sindh province.

The Pakistan fisherfolk forum confirmed that at least 150 fishing trawlers and boats had gone missing and lost contact with the Naval control room as the meteorological department warned that the cyclone was gaining strength and is 900 kilometres away from Karachi. Navy helicopters have launched search operation for the missing fishermen.