LAHORE/ISLAMABAD: A series of loud explosions rattled Lahore’s Walton Road on Thursday morning, prompting panic among residents and triggering a swift response from police and emergency services.
According to police officials, the blasts were heard in the Gopal Nagar and Naseerabad areas near Walton Airport. Frightened residents rushed out of their homes after witnessing thick clouds of smoke rising in the vicinity.
Police sources later confirmed that an Indian drone was shot down near Walton Airport. The unmanned aerial vehicle, reportedly measuring 5 to 6 feet, had crossed the border and was being operated remotely. Officials said the drone was neutralized using a jamming system before it could reach its apparent target.
Sources further claimed the drone was on a reconnaissance mission over sensitive installations and was carrying explosives. “It had flown dangerously close to a key building,” one official noted.
Police and rescue teams quickly arrived at the scene to secure the area and assess potential damage.
Earlier in the day, authorities temporarily closed multiple air routes over Lahore and Sialkot due to heightened regional tensions. Airport sources confirmed that the closures began Thursday morning and were scheduled to remain in effect until 12 noon, as outlined in a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by aviation authorities.
“Several air routes within Lahore and Sialkot have been closed for commercial flights,” the NOTAM stated.
The airspace restrictions have disrupted several Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights. A PIA flight from Medina, originally scheduled to land in Lahore, was diverted to Karachi. Another flight from Multan to Lahore was also rerouted to Karachi due to operational delays.
