Blasts in Lahore, 1 Day After Operation Sindoor: Is Pakistan Experiencing the Blowback of Sheltering Terror?
As smoke lingered in the air, drone allegations remained unverified, and airspace closures added to the mystery, the true cause of the Lahore blasts continues to be wrapped in ambiguity and speculation.
New Delhi: Only a day after Operation Sindoor, multiple explosions rocked Lahore on Thursday morning, intensifying regional tensions and igniting renewed concerns over potential escalation.
Residents of Lahore’s Gopal Nagar, Naseerabad, and Askari 5 residential colonies reported hearing deafening noises around Walton Road, which is near Walton Airport and Naval College. Plumes of smoke were observed at the points of impact, as the general public evacuated from their respective locations in a state of alarm. Crisis management agencies and security personnel immediately sealed the affected zones, and an investigation into the causative factors and motives behind the blasts is ongoing.
Though information is kept under wraps from the officials, the site and timing of the blasts raised speculations regarding any connection with Operation Sindoor, under which nine terror camps of different terror groups scattered across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) were hit by the Indian forces on Wednesday. The Indian operation was called a “mission driven by precision, precaution, and compassion,” with stress being laid upon a strategic requirement to disable terror infrastructure at a minimal cost of civilian casualties.
The air raid was a retaliation against the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 individuals—primarily tourists—were killed in one of the deadliest terror attacks in recent history. The airstrikes, according to Indian officials, were meant to convey a powerful message that terror from the other side of the border will no longer be tolerated.
As a retaliatory measure, Pakistan vowed revenge of great force. At least 31 people died and dozens were injured in areas where Indian fighter jets struck, such as within its Punjab province and PoJK. The Pakistani government vowed that it will “avenge the blood of innocent martyrs,” exacerbating the already volatile situation.
At the same time as the Lahore blasts, Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority imposed temporary flight restrictions across key cities, including Lahore, Sialkot, and Karachi. Commercial airspace above Lahore and Sialkot was closed down at least until 12 noon on Thursday, which caused the diversion and delay of several flights. A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Medina to Lahore flight was diverted to Karachi, while another Multan to Lahore flight faced a similar outcome.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, an internet post went viral with the remains of the Indian attacks on the Government Health and Educational Complex in Muridke, some 30 kilometers from Lahore. The images show extensive structural damage and debris scattered around the premises, which testifies to the intensity of the attack.
Even though Pakistan has stated that an Indian drone could have been responsible for the Thursday morning occurrence near Walton Airport, there has been no response or denial from New Delhi. The incident continues to be probed by the authorities as speculations grow as to whether this was a continuation of the Indian aggression or a standalone event, possibly even of internal origin, given Pakistan’s own experience with terror-related attacks.
Also Read: PM Modi Fulfills His Promise to Sisters, Says Delhi CM on Operation Sindoor
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