Harmless or Hostile? Pakistan balloon discovered in restricted IAF zone

A balloon bearing the name of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) was found inside a sensitive technical area of an Indian Air Force establishment, prompting security agencies to launch an investigation, police officials said on Sunday.

According to Gaurav Singh , a case was registered on February 12 at Shahganj police station following a formal complaint lodged by the Indian Air Force .

“The object recovered was a balloon shaped like an aircraft, coloured green and white, with the name Pakistan International Airlines printed on it. A thread was attached to the balloon,” Singh said. He added that no explosive device or suspicious material was found during the initial inspection.

Security officials stated that the balloon is most likely a commercial or advertising balloon that drifted into the restricted area due to wind patterns. In the best-case scenario , investigators believe it could be a harmless toy or promotional balloon released from across the border or from a nearby civilian area and carried by air currents into the Air Force premises.

However, officials are also examining the worst-case possibility that the balloon could have been used as a low-cost reconnaissance or signaling device , intended to test perimeter security or gather information about response times. While no electronic equipment or tracking devices have been recovered so far, authorities are not ruling out deliberate intent until the probe is complete.

Bomb disposal and technical teams inspected the object and declared it safe. The area was secured briefly as a precautionary measure, and standard security protocols were followed.

“A detailed investigation is underway to determine the origin of the balloon and how it entered the restricted zone,” the officer said. CCTV footage from nearby areas and weather data are being reviewed to trace its movement.

Officials emphasized that there is no immediate threat and urged the public not to speculate until the inquiry is concluded. The incident, however, has raised fresh concerns about aerial objects entering sensitive installations and the need for heightened surveillance of low-altitude airspace.