Rawalpindi, May 5, 2025: Pakistan successfully carried out a training launch of its Fatah series surface-to-surface missile on Monday, amid escalating tensions with India in the wake of the Pahalgam incident. The tlaunch, conducted as part of the ongoing military exercise Indus, was confirmed by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing.
With a range of 120 kilometres, the Fatah missile is equipped with an advanced navigation system and enhanced precision targeting. According to ISPR, the launch was aimed at testing the operational readiness of the armed forces and validating critical technical parameters.
This marks the second missile launch by Pakistan’s military in recent days, coinciding with a sharp deterioration in bilateral relations with India. The recent crisis stems from New Delhi’s accusations against Islamabad following a deadly attack on Indian tourists in the occupied region of Pahalgam. Pakistan has firmly denied any involvement and called for a neutral international investigation.
The missile launch was witnessed by senior military officials, scientists, and engineers from Pakistan’s strategic organizations. Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir congratulated all personnel involved and reaffirmed confidence in the armed forces’ capability and preparedness.
“Pakistan’s armed forces are fully equipped and ready to defend the nation’s sovereignty against any threat,” a military statement said.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has publicly vowed to respond to the Pahalgam incident with what he termed a punishment “beyond imagination,” prompting fears of further escalation.
In contrast, Islamabad has maintained a restrained posture, reiterating its offer for a neutral investigation and commitment to peace. Speaking at an event in the capital, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar sought to reassure the international community:
“You have to work on the other side, don’t worry about us. I have given you my word. We will exercise restraint.”
Pakistan has warned that any hostile military action from India would be met with a decisive response but stressed that it does not wish to aggravate regional tensions.
