Explosions Rock Lahore Amid Rising India-Pakistan Tensions: What You Need to Know
Explosions Near Military Airport in Lahore
New Delhi: A significant explosion was reported near the military airport located on Walton Road in Lahore on Thursday, coinciding with heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.
Witnesses indicated that multiple blasts occurred in the vicinity of Walton Road, which leads to the Lahore Cantonment area. According to local police, they are currently investigating the specifics of the explosion.
The blasts triggered panic among local residents, with many describing scenes of smoke billowing into the sky as people fled their homes in alarm.
Emergency sirens echoed through the area shortly after the explosions, amplifying the urgency of the situation.
Additionally, reports mentioned the sighting of a drone near the Walton Airport.
Unconfirmed reports also indicated that two loud explosions were heard near Askari 5 in Lahore, with smoke observed rising from the Naval College.
Earlier that morning, Pakistan had temporarily closed several crucial air routes in Lahore and Sialkot for commercial flights until noon. A recent Notice to Airmen (Notam) confirmed that these air routes would remain closed until Thursday noon.
Further updates are pending.
This incident follows India's precision strikes under Operation Sindoor, which targeted nine significant terror hubs associated with Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and Hizbul Mujahideen in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
The strikes, executed in the early hours of Wednesday, lasted approximately 25 minutes, deploying 24 missiles to hit nine terrorist facilities, including the headquarters of Lashkar-e-Taiba in Muridke and major training sites in Bahawalpur, known for fostering extremist activities.
"Our operations were precise, measured, and aimed at avoiding escalation. No Pakistani military installations were targeted. India has shown significant restraint in choosing its targets and executing the operation," stated a government spokesperson.