'Blasts' in Rawalpindi caused by sonic boom

ISLAMABAD: Mystery surrounded two powerful "explosions", which were heard on Monday in the Pakistani capital and the nearby garrison city of Rawalpindi, with reports suggesting they were caused by aircraft breaking the sound barrier.
    
The loud bangs, heard in the twin cities at about 11 am, rattled the windows of buildings and caused tension among the people.
    
TV channels initially reported that explosions had occurred within the cantonment area of Rawalpindi and several ambulances were seen rushing to the area.
    
However, police and emergency services personnel failed to locate the site of the "blasts", officials said. They added that all key installations, including the army headquarters, Army House, Presidency and airport, were safe.
    
Reports said the sounds could have been caused by aircraft breaking the sound barrier over the two cities.