Islamabad, May 8, 2025: Panic gripped residents of Lahore’s Walton Road on Thursday morning after three consecutive explosions shattered the calm, sparking widespread fear across the city.
The incident not only stunned locals but also triggered rapid deployment of emergency units in one of Lahore’s most sensitive zones.
Meanwhile, key Lahore and Sialkot air routes were abruptly suspended, raising further concerns amid regional instability.
According to Lahore Police, the triple blasts erupted within seconds of each other, producing shockwaves that were felt kilometers away.
Terrified residents poured out of their homes, unsure of what had happened.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing a large gathering on Walton Road as people searched for answers in the chaos.
Authorities quickly cordoned off the area, with Rescue 1122 and bomb disposal squads arriving at the scene.
The explosions occurred dangerously close to Gulberg—an elite and strategically sensitive district in Lahore—prompting immediate security lockdowns and sweeping investigations.
An official from the Lahore Police Department told media, “We are conducting thorough checks to identify the source and nature of these blasts. Right now, public safety is our top priority.”
Security experts noted that such explosions near high-value zones like Gulberg are rare but highly concerning, especially given the recent uptick in regional tensions.
In a possibly related development, air traffic over Lahore and Sialkot was disrupted earlier in the day. According to airport officials, multiple commercial air routes were shut down without prior warning.
A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) confirmed that the airspace would remain closed until noon, citing “operational reasons” tied to ongoing security assessments.
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Flight tracking services showed rerouted and delayed flights across Punjab, suggesting a coordinated response to a wider security threat. Aviation analysts have speculated that the air route suspension could be a preemptive move amid intelligence alerts.
Defense analyst Brig. (R) Imtiaz Shah noted, “Simultaneous explosions and airspace closures suggest a broader security protocol being activated. This may be precautionary, but it reflects real concerns within the intelligence community.”
