Suspicious ‘PIA’ Balloons Found Near Indo-Pak Border in Kathua; Police Launch Investigation

KATHUA, March 28, 2026 — A wave of high alert has swept across the border areas of Jammu and Kashmir following the recovery of two suspicious balloons near the International Border.

The balloons, which prominently featured the acronym “PIA” (Pakistan International Airlines), were discovered in the Chakda area of Kathua district.Local residents first spotted the airborne objects drifting near the sensitive border zone and immediately alerted the authorities.

Acting swiftly, a police team from the Hiranagar Police Station arrived at the scene to secure the area and take the balloons into custody.

While such sightings have occurred in the past, security agencies are not taking the matter lightly given the proximity to the fence.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police have officially launched an investigation to determine the exact origin of the balloons and whether they were carrying any surveillance equipment or messages.

Security cordons in the Chakda and neighboring sectors have been tightened as officials work to ascertain if the incident was a deliberate provocation or an accidental drift across the border.