Lahore on high alert following explosion on Walton Road

LAHORE: Security has been placed on high alert across Punjab including the provincial capital, Lahore, following a series of incidents, including an explosion sound, a fire outbreak, and temporary suspension of flight operations.

Early Thursday, a loud explosion was heard in Lahore’s Walton area. Eyewitnesses reported panic in the neighbourhood as the sound echoed across nearby localities.

According to sources, an attempt was made to target the office of a key security agency in Walton, Lahore. Security forces responded immediately.

Sources confirmed that there were no casualties or injuries in the incident. However, the building did suffer partial damage. Following the incident, security has been placed on high alert in the area.

Rescue and fire brigade teams rushed to the scene, while police cordoned off the area. Investigations are underway to determine the nature and cause of the explosion.

Shortly after, reports emerged of a fire in the same locality. Fire brigade vehicles quickly reached the site and began efforts to control the flames.

The source of the fire remains unclear, and no casualties have been reported so far. Residents were moved to safer locations as a precaution. Another explosion was also heard in posh area of Gulberg.

Inspector General (IG) Punjab Police, Dr. Usman Anwar, confirmed that police are on high alert amid the current situation in Lahore as well as the entire province.

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He stated that all operational, strategic, and logistical arrangements have been finalised. “Punjab Police is standing shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces and is a solid barrier in front of any threat,” he said.

In a separate development, flight operations at Lahore and Sialkot airports are suspended until 12 noon.

Passengers are advised to stay in contact with their airlines for updated information.

Meanwhile, mock civil defence and Rescue 1122 drills are ongoing across Punjab, including Lahore.

These drills are part of a province-wide emergency preparedness campaign. The Punjab Chief Minister has directed strict monitoring of these exercises, while Rescue 1122 has launched similar drills in cities such as Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Multan, Sahiwal, and others.

Authorities have urged the public to remain calm but alert and to report any suspicious activity.