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City remains on high alert
"There has been no violent incident near the Wagah Border, nor have any evacuation orders been issued," said Lahore Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza in a statement, advising citizens not to circulate rumours. The DC also shared the official control room number — 0307-0002345 — for residents to verify any emergency-related information.
While the city remains on high alert following Indian drone attacks that injured several citizens, the authorities emphasised that there is no current threat requiring evacuations. All relevant departments, including police, Civil Defence and Rescue 1122, remain on standby to ensure public safety and a rapid response in case of further escalation. "We urge everyone to confirm the authenticity of any alerts through government sources before taking action," the deputy commissioner stated.
Meanwhile, in a show of preparedness, Civil Defence and Rescue 1122 have launched province-wide emergency training exercises in coordination with law enforcement agencies. Around 3,000 Civil Defence volunteers and 1,500 Rescue 1122 personnel are participating in the drills, aimed at preparing both emergency responders and civilians for scenarios such as air raids or cross-border attacks.
The exercises include public awareness campaigns in educational institutions and community organisations, focusing on wartime safety protocols. Citizens are being trained to recognise siren alerts, identify safe shelters or bunkers and avoid areas with potential explosive threats.
In the event of an air strike or bombing, residents are advised to seek shelter immediately, stay away from windows, turn off gas and electricity, and lie flat on the ground with their heads covered if unable to move to a safe area. Maintaining blackout conditions at night and tuning in to official news updates are also recommended.
People are also encouraged to prepare emergency kits with water, non-perishable food, medications, a flashlight, batteries, a radio and basic first-aid supplies. If a designated shelter is not accessible, securing an interior room or basement is advised. Authorities urge calm, especially for families with children, the elderly or people with disabilities, and stress the importance of avoiding rumours or unofficial reports.
Residents are warned not to approach downed drones or suspicious objects. The Civil Defence bomb disposal squad remains on alert to respond to any explosive hazards.
According to officials, India conducted coordinated drone strikes on multiple locations across the country between the nights of May 6 and 7. The attacks resulted in the deaths of 31 civilians. Another wave of drone activity was reported overnight from May 7 to 8.
Following Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif's order, the Civil Defence exercises are being conducted in cities and towns across the province.
The chief minister directed the district administrations to monitor the drills. Mock drills of Rescue 1122 are under way to cope with any untoward incident as well as preempt dangers.
The Civil Defence exercises began in Rawalpindi, Murree, Jhelum, Chakwal, Sargodha, Narowal, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Sialkot, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Multan, Khanewal, Muzaffargarh, Layyah, Vehari and other cities.
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