Explosion rocks Lahore, Pakistan claims to have downed Indian drone

A loud explosion was heard in Lahore, the capital of Punjab province in Pakistan, although the cause of the blast remains unclear.

However, Pakistani TV channel Samaa TV claimed that an Indian spy drone was shot down in the Walton Road area of the eastern city. Local police officers have also confirmed the incident.

According to Al Jazeera, the drone was being operated from inside India.

Quoting an eyewitness, Reuters and Pakistan’s Geo TV reported that a loud explosion was heard on Thursday morning (May 8). This incident has raised fears that tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors could escalate into a wider conflict.

Due to security concerns, flight operations at three major airports—Karachi, Lahore, and Sialkot—have been temporarily suspended.

Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said no flights will depart from or land at Lahore and Sialkot airports until 12.00pm local time on Thursday. Details about Karachi Airport have not yet been shared, but it is believed the decision was made as a precaution.

On the night of Tuesday (May 6), India launched missile attacks on six cities in Pakistan. In response, Pakistan also carried out a counterattack immediately.

Pakistan’s military media wing ISPR claimed that the Indian attack targeted mosques, schools, and a hydroelectric dam, killing 31 civilians including women and children, and injuring 57. On the other hand, the Indian army claimed that shelling by Pakistani forces killed 15 civilians and injured 43 more. One Indian soldier was also killed, according to The Hindu.

The latest conflict began after a gun attack in Pahalgam, Indian-controlled Kashmir, on April 22, where 26 people—mostly tourists—were killed. India blamed Pakistan for the attack and vowed to respond. Since then, both sides have continued to exchange fire along the Kashmir border.

The international community is urging both countries to reduce tensions and resolve the crisis through dialogue.