NEW DELHI: A loud explosion was heard in Pakistan's Lahore on Thursday, May 8, 2025, just a day after the Indian Army conducted airstrikes targeting multiple locations within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. According to news agency Reuters, the explosions in Lahore occurred near a military establishment in the upscale Walton area, triggering a security alert and the subsequent closure of three major airports in the country.
The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) announced that operations at airports in Karachi, Lahore, and Sialkot would be temporarily suspended. Specifically, the airports in Lahore and Sialkot will remain unavailable for all flights until 12 PM on Thursday, impacting both domestic and international flight schedules. Passengers have been advised to contact their respective airlines for updates regarding delays and cancellations, as reported by Aaj News.
This series of events follows the Indian Army's operation dubbed 'Operation Sindoor,' which aimed to dismantle terrorist infrastructure linked to groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. The operation, executed on May 7, resulted in the elimination of nine terrorist bases across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
As part of this coordinated military action, the Indian Air Force carried out precision strikes on four locations within Pakistan and five sites in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The Indian defense ministry emphasized that the operation was "focused, measured, and non-escalatory," deliberately avoiding any Pakistani military installations. The mission was a tri-service effort involving the Army, Navy, and Air Force, with the stated goal of dismantling terror infrastructure without posing a threat to Pakistan's military assets.
The strikes were a direct response to a recent terrorist attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which left 26 people dead, including 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri remarked, "As you all know, on April 22, a Pakistani and Pakistan-trained terrorist associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba launched a barbaric attack on tourists in Pahalgam. This is the most serious incident since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, especially given that civilians were directly targeted." Misri's comments underline the Indian government's assertion of its right to act against cross-border terrorism.
In a separate incident on the same day, an explosion rocked Karachi, Pakistan's largest city and commercial hub. Reports indicate that this blast occurred in the Sharafi Goth area, with police recovering metal fragments from the site. The exact nature and cause of the blast remain unclear as law enforcement and rescue teams cordoned off the area.
Hours earlier, three explosions were reported near the military airport in Lahore's Walton area. These blasts occurred at approximately 7 AM local time and were heard in quick succession, causing panic among residents. Footage showed people fleeing their homes amid clouds of smoke rising into the air. Initial reports suggested that the explosions might have been related to a training exercise conducted by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), although no official confirmation has been provided regarding the precise cause.
The Lahore blasts were described by witnesses as alarming, with emergency sirens blaring and police and fire brigade personnel rushing to the scene. The explosions were particularly concerning given their proximity to the Lahore army cantonment and the city's central business district.
As a precautionary measure, the Pakistan government imposed a 48-hour closure of its airspace for all commercial flights at Lahore and Islamabad airports following India's military actions. The PAA confirmed that the airspace closure was a response to the Indian military strikes on terrorist targets within Pakistan.
With tensions running high, the situation remains fluid as authorities continue to investigate the explosions and assess the security implications of the recent military actions. The Pakistani government has not yet released a detailed statement regarding the incidents, leaving many questions unanswered.
As the situation develops, the international community watches closely, aware that escalations in this region could have far-reaching consequences. The ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan, particularly regarding cross-border terrorism, continues to pose significant challenges for both nations.
In light of these events, many are left wondering how both governments will navigate this complex landscape of security threats and diplomatic relations. The responses from both sides could shape the future of their interactions and the stability of the region.
