Having resiliently endured Indian aggression during the past several days, especially during nights, the citizens of Lahore rejoiced after the announcement of a ceasefire on Saturday.
Amidst the escalating tensions between Pakistan and Pakistan, the citizens exhibited high morale and continued with their daily routine and work while ignoring the Indian hostilities.
Despite witnessing and receiving reports of Indian drone attacks, they did not show any signs of fear. Instead, they chanted slogans against the Indian aggression and warned the Modi government to refrain from such actions.
Speaking to The Express tribune, a resident of the provincial capital, Altaf Hussain, shared his experience of hearing about a massive explosion while driving back home after visiting relatives in the DHA at night. Upon learning about the explosion and billowing smoke, the citizens gathered and chanted slogans.
He said that before the police arrived, a motorcyclist appeared and tried to take away a part of a drone that had been destroyed.
He said he was surprised to see that despite the news of the drone explosion spreading across the city, people did not panic and shops remained open as usual.
This was not the first drone explosion in Lahore.
Previously, several drones had been spotted in the Bedian area, with a total of eight destroyed in various parts of the city, including one on Ferozepur Road.
Markets on MM Alam Road and in Laxmi Chowk, DHA, Johar Town, Township, and other areas remained open late into the night. Citizens continued to visit restaurants without showing any signs of fear. Shopping centres and stores witnessed business as usual, while the roads remained crowded. The schools, colleges and universities were closed for two days and ongoing HSC and Cambridge exams were also postponed.
However, the classes are set to resume on Monday.
Meanwhile, the police increased security measures to counter drone attacks amid growing Indian aggression.
As rumours of drone attacks circulated throughout the day, the deputy commissioner of Lahore issued a notification to counter them and clarified that no order had been issued to stay indoors.
Meanwhile, announcements were made from mosques in the border areas, urging citizens not to pay heed to rumours.
According to local officials, initial apprehensions among the citizens receded when they saw the Pakistani military fighting valiantly and protecting the country and the nation.
When India announced a ceasefire, the citizens of Lahore celebrated by distributing sweets.
They also visited mosques and congratulated each other, declaring the devlopment a victory for Pakistan.
An elderly resident said the enthusiasm and fervour of Lahore's citizens after enduring the aggression were palpable.
Meanwhile, more than 70,000 volunteers across Punjab have completed Civil Defense training in three days.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz noted, "Mock rescue and civil defence exercises are under way in the province."
She expressed satisfaction over the community emergency preparedness and response training to better cope with any potential emergency situations in the province.
She was informed in a briefing that the duration of the community emergency preparedness and response training had been fixed at four hours. The volunteers are being trained in emergency services and civil defence bomb disposal.
Officials added, "Awareness is also being given about the responsibilities of citizens and social media in an emergency situation."
During the training, the volunteers learned about rescue and use of medical kits in emergency situations. The volunteers are being trained in methods of controlling blood flow, fracture management and CPR.
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