A powerful explosion rocked Lahore’s Walton Road area near Walton Airport on Thursday morning, sending shockwaves through the city and sparking widespread panic among residents. The loud bang, followed by plumes of smoke, was reported around 8:00 AM, prompting locals to flee their homes in fear. According to multiple sources, including Geo TV and eyewitness accounts, the blast was significant enough to be heard across several neighborhoods, with some claiming it targeted the vicinity of Walton Airfield.
Initial reports from ARY News indicated that three consecutive explosions occurred in the area, escalating concerns among residents and authorities. “The sound was deafening, and we saw smoke rising near the airport. People were running out of their homes, unsure of what was happening,” said a local resident. Police and emergency services swiftly cordoned off the area, and sirens echoed through the city as authorities scrambled to assess the situation.
The cause of the blast remains unclear, with no official statement from the government or security agencies confirming whether it was an act of terrorism, an accident, or related to military activity. Speculation has been rife, with some local media outlets and social media posts suggesting a possible link to heightened tensions between Pakistan and India following recent cross-border incidents. On Wednesday, India conducted strikes on alleged “terrorist infrastructure” in Pakistan, which Islamabad claimed killed 31 civilians. However, no direct connection between these events and the Lahore blast has been established.
Walton Airport, primarily used for general aviation and training, is located in a densely populated area of Lahore, amplifying the impact of the incident. The proximity to Allama Iqbal International Airport, which has experienced fire-related disruptions in the past, further fueled public anxiety. In April 2025, a fire at the international airport caused flight cancellations, though authorities later clarified it was due to a tire blaze on a military aircraft.
Police officials have urged calm, stating that investigations are underway to determine the nature and source of the explosion. “We are ascertaining the cause of the blast and ensuring the safety of the public,” said a Lahore police spokesperson. No casualties or significant damage have been officially reported, but hospitals in the area have been placed on high alert.
The incident comes at a time of heightened regional tensions, with Pakistan and India trading accusations over recent attacks. Social media platforms, particularly X, have been abuzz with unverified claims, with some users alleging the blast targeted military infrastructure near Walton Airport. Authorities have cautioned against spreading unconfirmed information, emphasizing the need for verified reports.
As the situation develops, residents of Lahore remain on edge, with many awaiting official updates. The incident underscores the city’s vulnerability to sudden disruptions, particularly in light of its history of terror-related incidents. In January 2022, a bomb blast in Lahore’s Anarkali market killed three and injured 20, highlighting the persistent security challenges in Pakistan’s second-largest city.
For now, authorities are focused on securing the area and providing clarity to a rattled public. Further details are expected as investigations progress.
