A loud explosion was heard in Pakistan's eastern city of Lahore on Thursday morning, according to local media reports and a witness. The incident occurred amid heightened tensions between Pakistan and India, following recent Indian military actions.
The blast was reportedly heard in the Gopal Nagar and Naseerabad neighborhoods, near Walton Airport. Sirens were heard in the area, and residents left their homes following the sound. The cause of the explosion remains unknown.
The event took place a day after India carried out strikes against multiple targets within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. India stated these strikes, dubbed "Operation Sindoor," targeted terrorist camps.
India described Operation Sindoor as a response to the Pahalgam attack on April 22, where gunmen killed 26 people, primarily Hindus, in a civilian area. India attributes that attack to Pakistan-based terrorist groups and vowed retribution. Pakistan denied involvement in the Pahalgam incident.
According to India, Operation Sindoor was a "precise and restrained response" designed to be "non-escalatory." India claims the strikes avoided civilian, economic, and military infrastructure.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned India's operation as a "cowardly attack." He asserted Pakistan's right to respond.
Following the Indian strikes, flight operations at Karachi, Lahore, and Sialkot airports were temporarily suspended. Pakistan also closed its airspace as a precautionary measure. Financial markets have shown impact from the renewed hostilities.
Track latest updates on India-Pakistan tensions here. Additional Breaking News can be found online.
