Citizens alarmed by Indian drones

LAHORE:Following the downing of Indian drones, panic spread the provincial metropolis and many cities of Punjab here on Thursday.

The news of drone downing at various city areas of Lahore kept on spreading throughout the day due to which the citizens were seemed panicked and asking questions. The Punjab government has appealed to citizens and the public not to listen to rumours being spread by any national elements, enemy country and foreign accounts on social media.

DC Lahore said that in the current situation, citizens and the public should not listen to any unconfirmed information or rumours of any kind. He said to verify any news or information and rumours, contact the following numbers immediately “Commissioner Lahore Division Office Control Room Numbers 042 99206504 and 042 99296524), Lahore city Deputy Commissioner Lahore Control Room (03070002345 and 042 99210630, 03454822148), District Kasur Deputy Commissioner Kasur Control Room (0499250040 and 03124189595), District Sheikhupura Deputy Commissioner Sheikhupura Control Room (056 3612895 and 03334147986) and District Naknana Sahib Deputy Commissioner Nankana Sahib Control Room (056 9201027 and 0333 4974831). District administration Lahore also clarified that security alert advisory near Wagah Border was fake and citizens should not worry. Deputy Commissioner's Office said no incident took place at Wagah Border or adjacent areas while DHA Phase 8, Askari 11, Paragon City, Green City mentioned in different rumours were also fake. Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza asked the citizens to first confirm news with Deputy Commissioner Control Room (03070002345). He said safety of citizens was top priority of the Punjab government.

Pakistan, India urged to de-escalate tensions

As tensions escalate, the Pakistan India Peoples’ Forum for Peace and Democracy (PIPFPD) urgently calls on the governments of India and Pakistan to prioritise peace. The PIPFPD implore both the nations to step back from the brink of war and halt military escalation immediately.

As leaders of nuclear-armed states, India and Pakistan must exercise restraint. Continued military actions risk catastrophic humanitarian consequences, including loss of countless innocent lives and massive displacement.

Both countries face pressing developmental challenges that demand resources and focus. Escalating conflict would drain finances, undermining aspirations for economic growth, poverty reduction, and improved quality of life across South Asia.

Lives have been lost in India, Pakistan, and Jammu and Kashmir, where suffering persists amid decades of violence and persecution. We are deeply concerned by the growing war frenzy, fueled by jingoistic rhetoric on social media and inflammatory media content. This manufactured hysteria, often tied to religious identities and nationalism, creates a dangerous atmosphere. Public support for military action is frequently a product of this toxic narrative, ignoring the devastating consequences of war. The normalisation of conflict is evident, and global diplomatic systems appear weakened. We urge both nations to resist hostility, cease hostilities immediately, and pursue renewed diplomatic engagement. A diplomatic solution that addresses legitimate security concerns is the only sustainable path forward.