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A mysterious and loud blast near Pakistan’s largest nuclear centre in Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab province, has left many with questions.
NEW DELHI: A mysterious and loud blast near Pakistan’s largest nuclear centre in Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab province, has left many with questions. The incident, which occurred on a Friday afternoon, set off a wave of rumours and concerns, both within Pakistan and internationally.
Rumours circulated on social media platforms, suggesting various scenarios, including a possible nuclear mishap or a failed missile test. However, Pakistani authorities swiftly moved to quell the speculation. According to the local administration and media reports, the explosion was attributed to a “sonic boom” caused by Pakistani Air Force fighter jets breaking the sound barrier.
Commissioner Nasir Mahmood Bashir of Dera Ghazi Khan clarified that the noise heard was not indicative of any harmful event, further asserting that concerned departments and authorities confirmed no incident had taken place in the district or its surrounding areas.
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Additionally, Commissioner’s Spokesperson Mazhar Sheerani ruled out any acts of terrorism, vandalism, accidents, or damage, as per information obtained from government departments and eyewitnesses.
This incident, however, raised questions about the safety and security of Pakistan’s nuclear facilities. In 2012, the Tehrik-e-Taliban had issued threats against the Dera Ghazi Khan nuclear facility, prompting stringent security measures. The region also houses a significant stockpile of uranium.
The reverberations of the blast were felt up to approximately 50 kilometres from the location, sparking panic among residents. Visuals shared on social media showed emergency response teams, including firefighters, ambulances, and police, rushing to the site.
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What makes this situation even more intriguing is the presence of US Air Force activity in and around Pakistan, particularly at a time when two significant conflicts are unfolding in Ukraine and Israel. The connection, if any, between these events remains uncertain, and official confirmation of the blast is still pending.
