Pakistan Terror Attack: Lahore Airport Lounge Fire Disrupts International Flights, Hajj Departures

A fire broke out in the lounge area of Lahore airport, causing chaos and disrupting several international flights, including the inaugural Hajj journeys, as reported by Aaj News.

The flames were contained swiftly by emergency responders, ensuring no harm was caused to individuals. However, the lounge was filled with smoke originating from the immigration counter's ceiling, necessitating the evacuation of passengers.

Lahore Airport Lounge Fire, Terror Attack Not Ruled Out

Images broadcasted by Aaj News depicted billowing smoke, illustrating the tumultuous scene. A specialised team has been mobilised to determine the cause of the fire, with airport authorities noting significant damage to the immigration counter. The incident's ripple effect extended to flight schedules, with delays affecting the first Hajj departure and five other international flights, including Qatar Airways flight QR 629.

Despite concerns regarding immigration processes, incoming international flights were routed to Lahore airport without diversions. The absence of an emergency declaration from airport authorities underscored efforts to manage the situation. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) reassured the public that international flight operations were being managed from the domestic departure lounge, with the situation stemming from a short circuit being brought under control by early morning.

Currently, Hajj and international flights are being accommodated through domestic facilities, with expectations of resuming regular domestic flight operations shortly. The spokesperson emphasised prioritising seamless immigration processes for arriving flights, ensuring minimal disruption amidst the aftermath of the incident, as reported by Aaj News.

Pakistan Terror: 7 workers killed

Meanwhile, Seven workers from Punjab, Pakistan, were reported killed, and another was injured in a terrorist attack on Wednesday night, according to ARY News, citing police sources. Residential quarters near Fish Harbour Jetty in Gwadar's Sarband were targeted by terrorists, who opened fire while the victims were sleeping.

Seven individuals lost their lives and one sustained injuries in the attack. Police indicated that the deceased and injured individuals were from Punjab's Sahiwal. The bodies of the deceased and the injured were transported to a hospital, and a probe has been initiated by the police to apprehend the perpetrators.

Further, on May 1, a terrorist attack on a police checkpost in Punjab's Taunsa Sharif district resulted in injuries to seven policemen, as reported by ARY News. This incident marked the second assault on the checkpoint within two months. According to police officials, the Jhangi checkpost in Wahova, Dera Ghazi Khan, was targeted by terrorists armed with grenades, rocket launchers, and laser-light guns.

Six officers sustained injuries and were transferred to Taunsa Sharif THQ hospital for medical treatment. The Punjab Police spokesperson confirmed the attempted terrorist attack on the Jhangi checkpoint, noting that the terrorists aimed to capture the police post and take the officers as captives.

Law enforcement agencies swiftly responded to the intelligence, securing the area after the attack and initiating a thorough search operation to apprehend the terrorists.