Many residents first suspected that the mysterious illumination was the result of a missile test or covert military activity.

Witnesses reported seeing the phenomenon around the time of Fajr prayers from various parts of the city, capturing and sharing images and videos online.

According to Pakistan’s Meteorological Department, the spectacle was a lenticular cloud formation, a rare atmospheric event in which moist air rises after colliding with a mountain, resulting in wave patterns.

When the air cools at the crest of these waves, condensation forms clouds with smooth, lens-like shapes.

According to the department, the cloud hung over Koh-e-Murdar for almost 20 minutes before gradually dissipating as the sun rose.

The UK’s Met Office describes lenticular clouds as “lens-shaped formations” often mistaken for UFOs due to their smooth and shiny appearance.

While common in mountainous regions such as Japan, the United States, and Chile, they are seldom seen in Pakistan.

At times, light reflection on the edges of these clouds can produce rainbow-like colours, a phenomenon also visible over Quetta’s sky that morning.

Meteorologists noted that such events remind us of nature’s hidden beauty and complexity.

For many Quetta residents, the fleeting moment became a lasting memory of wonder and awe.