An early morning explosion in Lahore has heightened uncertainty in South Asia, coming at a time of rising diplomatic and military strain between India and Pakistan.
A blast was reported in Lahore, eastern Pakistan, on Thursday morning, according to Geo TV and a Reuters witness. The incident occurred a day after Indian missile strikes targeted multiple locations in Pakistan, prompting widespread concern over a possible escalation in hostilities between the nuclear-armed neighbours.
There was no immediate explanation for the blast.
India said its strikes targeted “terrorist infrastructure” in Pakistan, two weeks after blaming the country for a deadly assault in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 people, mostly Hindu tourists. Islamabad denied any involvement in the attack and pledged retaliation, later claiming to have downed five Indian aircraft. India dismissed these reports as “misinformation”.
Casualties have been reported on both sides. Pakistan stated that 31 civilians were killed and around 50 injured in the Indian strikes and subsequent cross-border shelling. India reported 13 civilian deaths and 43 injuries.
Though cross-border fire has slightly decreased overnight, Indian officials say military readiness remains high. Blackout drills have been conducted in areas near the Pakistan border, including Amritsar, home to the Sikh faith’s Golden Temple.
Pakistan has seen a partial return to normal life, with schools reopening in some cities. However, Punjab province remains on high alert, with hospitals and emergency services on standby.
Despite pledges of retaliation, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif told The New York Times that Islamabad is prepared to de-escalate. India, meanwhile, warned it would respond to any further actions from Pakistan.
Global leaders have urged both sides to ease tensions. U.S. President Donald Trump expressed hope that the countries could “work it out” and offered support in facilitating peace efforts.
India and Pakistan, both of which gained independence in 1947, have a long history of conflict, having fought three wars—two over the disputed region of Kashmir.
The escalation comes as Pakistan continues its economic recovery. The nation narrowly avoided default in 2023 after securing IMF support amid a financial crisis that battered its $350 billion economy.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has called on India and Pakistan to avoid further escalation following recent airstrikes and mounting tensions over Kashmir, emphasizing the need for regional peace and stability.
A Rafale fighter jet operated by the Indian Air Force has reportedly been shot down for the first time in combat, according to sources cited by CNN, marking a significant and symbolic development in the ongoing escalation between India and Pakistan.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed what he called a “great victory” for the nation’s armed forces on Wednesday, following what officials described as a major air incursion attempt by the Indian Air Force.
Pakistan has reportedly downed an Indian Rafale fighter jet, along with other Indian military aircraft, using Chinese-made PL-15 missiles. The incident occurred amid rising tensions between the two nations, marking a notable development in the ongoing conflict.
Tensions between India and Pakistan soared after Indian airstrikes targeted sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, killing dozens and prompting threats of retaliation from Islamabad, while the UK warned that "nobody wins" if conflict escalates.
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The appearance of white smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney marks the election of a new pope, sparking celebrations among the crowd in St. Peter’s Square.
Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico is the only EU leader attending Russia’s May 9 military parade, defying airspace bans and EU pressure to stay away.
On the 25th anniversary of the Gates Foundation, Bill Gates announced plans to donate nearly all of his personal wealth over the next two decades, aiming to provide $200 billion in support to the world’s poorest communities, especially as global aid budgets face significant reductions.
The United States and Britain are set to announce a trade agreement aimed at reducing tariffs on key goods, signaling progress in bilateral trade discussions.
In a move to strengthen its disaster preparedness, Morocco plans to invest 7 billion dirhams ($760 million) in emergency supplies and storage platforms across the country, following the devastating 2023 earthquake in the High Atlas Mountains.
The appearance of white smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney marks the election of a new pope, sparking celebrations among the crowd in St. Peter’s Square.
Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico is the only EU leader attending Russia’s May 9 military parade, defying airspace bans and EU pressure to stay away.
On the 25th anniversary of the Gates Foundation, Bill Gates announced plans to donate nearly all of his personal wealth over the next two decades, aiming to provide $200 billion in support to the world’s poorest communities, especially as global aid budgets face significant reductions.
The United States and Britain are set to announce a trade agreement aimed at reducing tariffs on key goods, signaling progress in bilateral trade discussions.
In a move to strengthen its disaster preparedness, Morocco plans to invest 7 billion dirhams ($760 million) in emergency supplies and storage platforms across the country, following the devastating 2023 earthquake in the High Atlas Mountains.
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