Indian Surveillance Drone Seized in Lahore’s Manawan Area

Security forces in Pakistan claimed to have intercepted and seized an Indian surveillance drone that had reportedly violated Pakistani airspace and entered the Manawan area of Lahore early Friday morning.
According to initial reports from local law enforcement and intelligence sources, the drone was detected hovering in a sensitive residential and semi-military zone near the eastern border. Prompt action by ground forces led to the successful disabling and capture of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
Officials have confirmed that the drone has been taken into custody for forensic analysis and technical examination. Sources within the security establishment suggest that the drone was equipped with high-resolution cameras and data transmission technology, indicating that it may have been conducting a reconnaissance or intelligence-gathering mission.
A senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, “This is a clear act of airspace violation and a serious breach of sovereignty. We are examining all aspects of the incident and will take appropriate action once a full technical assessment is completed.”
No official statement has yet been issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but sources indicate that the matter is expected to be raised diplomatically with India through official channels.
The incident has escalated tensions along the eastern border, with security forces placed on high alert in adjoining sectors. Additional aerial surveillance units have been deployed to monitor cross-border movement, particularly in the Lahore sector, which shares proximity to Indian Punjab.
This is not the first time such an incident has occurred. In previous years, Pakistani authorities have reported multiple instances of spy drones entering its territory from across the Indian border. However, this is the first such event reported in 2025, and its location—so deep inside Lahore’s city limits—raises fresh concerns regarding border surveillance protocols.
Eyewitnesses in the Manawan area reported hearing a “buzzing sound” around dawn, followed by the sight of a small drone flying low over rooftops before it descended rapidly after being intercepted.
The situation remains under close observation by law enforcement agencies and the military. No casualties or property damage have been reported.
The capture of the drone could become a flashpoint in regional diplomacy, particularly amid already strained Pakistan–India relations. Defense analysts note that both nations must maintain strict airspace protocols to avoid unintended escalation, especially in sensitive zones such as Lahore, which lies only 24 kilometers from the Wagah border crossing.
Further updates are expected following the completion of technical analysis and an official press briefing by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) or the Foreign Office.
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