The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium was struck by a drone just hours before a scheduled Pakistan Super League (PSL) match, sources confirmed on Thursday. The incident occurred ahead of the 8 pm match between PSL franchises Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings, raising concerns about safety and security at the venue.
This development came against the backdrop of escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan. Earlier on Thursday, Islamabad had attempted to target 15 military installations within Indian territory. In retaliation, the Indian Armed Forces launched a precision strike, destroying Pakistani air defence radar systems in Lahore.
Pakistan Army spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry stated that several drones had been intercepted in various cities, including Lahore, Gujranwala, Chakwal, Bahawalpur, Miano, Karachi, Chhor, Rawalpindi, and Attock, according to a report by agencies.
Sources revealed that Pakistan’s HQ-9 missile defence units—Chinese-origin systems—were targeted and disabled by Israeli-made HAROP drones, leaving Lahore’s air defences significantly compromised.
Responding to Pakistan's attempted escalation, the Indian Army issued a statement asserting that India’s counteraction matched the domain and intensity of Pakistan’s moves. Meanwhile, Pakistan reportedly increased unprovoked firing across multiple sectors along the Line of Control (LoC), including Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar, and Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir.
Pakistan also claimed casualties as a result of Indian strikes. According to officials, four Pakistani army personnel were injured in Lahore, and one civilian lost their life in Miano, Sindh. The drone strike on the Rawalpindi stadium follows closely on the heels of India's major military operation named 'Operation Sindoor'.
Launched in retaliation for the recent Pahalgam terror attack, the operation saw the Indian forces carry out targeted airstrikes on terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. According to sources cited by news agencies, approximately 100 terrorists were killed in these strikes.
The operation focused on destroying nine terror camp locations associated with banned terrorist organisations Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), dealing a significant blow to these networks. As the situation remains tense, further developments are being closely monitored by both sides and international observers.
Also Read: Rajnath Singh praises bravery of armed forces
Follow us
