Media: Multiple explosions rock Pakistan's Lahore as Indian spy drone shot down

On the morning of May 8, a series of loud explosions was heard on Walton Road in Lahore, Pakistan, police officials claimed.

Multiple blasts were heard on Walton Road in the Gopal Nagar and Naseerabad areas of Lahore near Walton Airport. People ran out of their houses in panic and reported seeing clouds of smoke, Caliber.Az reports, citing Pakistani media.

Police sources reported that an Indian drone, measuring approximately 5 to 6 feet, was shot down near Walton Airport. According to the sources, the drone was being operated from across the border and was neutralised using signal-jamming technology.

The Indian drone was flown to spy on sensitive places, the sources further said, adding that the drone carrying explosives had reached very close to the building. 

Police and rescue teams have reached Walton Road. 

Earlier this morning, several key air routes in Lahore and Sialkot were temporarily closed for commercial flights due to prevailing regional tensions, according to airport sources.

The closures, which began early on the morning of May 8, were expected to remain in effect until 12 noon the same day. A newly issued Notice to Airmen (Notam) confirmed that air routes over Lahore and Sialkot would remain suspended until midday.

"Several air routes within Lahore and Sialkot have been closed for commercial flights," the Notam added. 

As a result of the restricted airspace, multiple Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights have been impacted. A PIA flight from Medina, originally bound for Lahore, was diverted to Karachi, while another flight from Multan to Lahore was also rerouted to Karachi due to operational delays. 

By Khagan Isayev