India destroys air defence system in Lahore, foils Pakistan's escalation bids

Security personnel cordon off a street in Lahore (AFP)

In a calibrated and proportionate military response, the Indian Armed Forces this morning targeted air defence radars and systems at multiple locations inside Pakistan. One of the significant targets — an air defence system positioned in Lahore — was successfully neutralised, according to a press release by PIB.

“The Indian response has been in the same domain and with the same intensity as Pakistan,” the official press note stated, underscoring India's measured yet firm posture in maintaining strategic parity without escalating the situation.

"Indian Air Force S-400 Sudarshan Chakra air defence missile systems were fired last night against targets moving towards India. The targets were successfully neutralised in the operation," said defence sources.

This comes hours after multiple blasts were heard in Lahore, followed by explosions in Karachi, according to local media reports.

In Lahore, the largest city of Pakistan’s Punjab province, three blasts occurred on Walton Road this morning, which created panic among locals who rushed out of their residences for safety.

Earlier today, several air routes in Lahore and Sialkot were shut down temporarily for commercial flights due to border tensions. The two airports will not be available for use till 12 noon on Thursday.

The Indian government has maintained that its actions are targeted, precise, and focused solely on terror infrastructure — not civilian or military escalation.

This morning’s targeting of air defence systems was a pre-emptive countermeasure to ensure air superiority and eliminate threats.

Reports suggest that Pakistani government has directed their Army to be battle-ready. It was earlier reported that Army areas in Kasur, Bahalwnagar, Sialkot, Shekhuoura and Narwal of Punjab province had been vacated and people were asked to move back to safe places. Complete blackout was reported in several Army areas.