LAHORE (Kashmir English): Loud explosions were heard early Thursday morning in Lahore’s Walton Road area, causing panic among residents, according to police sources.
The blasts were reported in the Gopal Nagar and Naseerabad localities near Walton Airport. Eyewitnesses said people rushed out of their homes in fear after hearing multiple explosions, with smoke seen rising in the vicinity.
Police sources claimed that a suspected Indian drone was intercepted and brought down near Walton Airport.
Measuring between 5 to 6 feet, the drone was reportedly being operated from across the border and was allegedly carrying explosives. Authorities said the drone was jammed before it could reach a sensitive facility in the area.
Emergency services and law enforcement teams were swiftly dispatched to Walton Road following the incident.
The residents near Askari 5 also reported hearing two loud bangs and observing smoke coming from the direction of the Naval College.
In the latest update about flight operations in the country, flight operations have been suspended at Lahore and Sialkot airports. The closures, initiated early Thursday, were expected to last until noon, as per a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by aviation authorities.
According to the airport authority, flights at Karachi, Lahore, and Sialkot airports in Pakistan have been temporarily suspended. According to the Civil Aviation Authority, Lahore and Sialkot airports will not be available until 12:00 noon local time on May 8th.
Previously, Flight operations at Karachi airport were briefly suspended too, the Pakistan Airports Authority confirmed on Thursday.
The restricted airspace affected several Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights. A flight from Medina to Lahore was diverted to Karachi, while another flight from Multan was also rerouted to Karachi because of operational disruptions.
