Multiple Blasts In Lahore: Punjab and Rajasthan Seal Border with Pakistan

Multiple blasts in Lahore occurred on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Lahore was shaken to life on Thursday morning with several explosions tearing through the Gopal Nagar and Naseerabad districts, causing shockwaves and hysteria throughout the city. The explosions, which were reported in rapid succession at approximately 7:00 AM local time, took place near the sensitive Walton Airport and a nearby military airbase, immediately sparking fears regarding the suspected cause and implications.

Multiple Blasts In Lahore

• There were reports of 4-6 explosions in close succession shortly before 7:00 AM local time at Gopal Nagar and Naseerabad locality of Lahore.
• The explosions took place close to the Walton Airport and an army airbase.
• Video and witness reports show panic among locals and smoke billowing from the site.
• Emergency alarms were sounded, and police and firemen personnel rushed to the scene.
• Authorities created a security cordon and cordoned off the zone.

Timing of Blasts in Lahore

The Blasts in Lahore occurred in the early hours of May 8. The timing of the events is also significant, just a day after India’s Operation Sindoor, a series of retaliatory precision bombings of terrorist infrastructure within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Although no official connection has been made and the cause of the Lahore blasts has yet to be confirmed, the proximity in time has necessarily created speculation and escalated tensions already brewing in the region.

Eyewitness Accounts

• Eyewitness testimony and initial videos from the scene showed columns of smoke erupting into the morning air, with the howl of emergency sirens ringing out as police and firefighters rushed to the affected locations.
• Authorities moved quickly to create a security cordon, surrounding the blast areas as an investigation was launched to determine the cause and origin of the blasts.

Walton Airport

The Walton Airport, which is utilised for general aviation and flight training, and the nearby military airport are strategically significant places. The incidence of explosions in their proximity has led to the activation of instant security measures. As a precautionary step, authorities suspended flight operations at major airports in Pakistan, such as Lahore, Karachi, and Sialkot, highlighting the seriousness of the situation and the possibility of further events.

Also Read: All Eyes on Poonch Attack

Drone Shot Down in Lahore

Pakistan’s Air Defence forces claim to have intercepted and shot down a drone of Indian origin. The drone was reportedly 5-6 feet in length and carried explosives. It was flying low and aimed toward a sensitive installation near Walton Airbase, according to Pakistani officials.

Method of Neutralisation

Before it could hit the intended target, the drone’s signal was jammed, and it was brought down through non-kinetic means (electronic warfare). Security forces later recovered drone fragments, which are being analysed by the Pakistan Army’s Cyber Command.

India’s Position

India has not officially commented on this specific drone incident. However, Indian media sources claim that Pakistan may be fabricating drone intrusions to justify retaliatory actions or create international sympathy.

Punjab and Rajasthan Seal Border with Pakistan after Operation Sindoor

In the wake of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following India’s precision strikes under “Operation Sindoor. Both Rajasthan and Punjab have implemented stringent security measures to safeguard their borders and maintain internal stability.

RAJASTHAN BORDER SEALED, STATEWIDE HIGH ALERT

1. Sealing the Border with Pakistan

Rajasthan shares 1,037 km of international border with Pakistan (Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bikaner, Sri Ganganagar). All interstate and cross-border movement has been stopped. The Border Security Force (BSF) has been ordered to: Maintain 24×7 surveillance. Shoot on sight if any infiltration or suspicious movement is detected.

2. Military Movements

Indian Air Force has been conducting combat air patrols over western Rajasthan. Aircraft used include Sukhoi-30 MKI fighters for round-the-clock surveillance, operating from bases like Jodhpur and Phalodi.

3. Civilian Impact Measures

Airports shut down till May 10:

• Jodhpur, Kishangarh, and Bikaner airports have suspended operations.
• Airlines like IndiGo have cancelled all flights to and from Bikaner.

Schools closed in:

• Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Sri Ganganagar.
• Examinations postponed; staff assigned to civil defence preparedness.

4. Emergency Protocols & Drills

Blackout drills from 12 am to 4 am in border towns to counter potential aerial attacks. Siren drills and alerts have been implemented in Jaipur, Jodhpur, and other strategic cities.

Hospitals are ordered to:

• Keep emergency wards operational 24/7.
• Stock essential medicines.
• Ensure emergency staff availability.

5. Local Government Orders

• Rajasthan government has cancelled all leaves of police personnel statewide.
• Home Guards and Civil Defence volunteers mobilised.

PUNJAB POLICE ON WAR-FOOTING, EVENTS CANCELLED

1. Police Leaves Cancelled

• Punjab police personnel across all ranks have had their leaves cancelled from May 7 onwards.
• Exceptions are allowed only for medical emergencies or critical situations.

2. Border Districts on High Alert

• Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Tarn Taran, and Amritsar are on Red Alert.
• Security near strategic installations (army cantonments, dams, railways) has been beefed up.
• Surveillance intensified on local mosques and madrasas suspected of radicalisation

3. Public Safety Measures

• Punjab government has ordered:
  • Suspension of all large public events and gatherings.
  • Constant liaison between police and Indian Army units.
  • Round-the-clock monitoring of drone activity along the international border.

4. Civil Administration Readiness

Instructions issued to:

• Maintain fully functional emergency medical teams.
• Keep relief and evacuation shelters ready.
• Conduct mock drills in urban areas.

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