Pakistan tests Fatah missile amid escalating tensions with India

Pakistan's military conducted a successful training launch of a Fatah series surface-to-surface missile, with a range of 120 kilometres, as part of its ongoing military exercise, Indus.

This marks the second missile test by Pakistan's armed forces in the wake of escalating tensions with India, following the recent Pahalgam incident, Caliber.Az reports per Pakistani media.

The Fatah missile launch is part of Pakistan's broader strategy to ensure the operational readiness of its forces, as well as to validate critical technical capabilities, including the missile's advanced navigation system and enhanced accuracy.

The test, which was carefully observed by senior officials from the Pakistan Army, as well as scientists and engineers from the country's strategic organizations, is seen as a demonstration of Pakistan's military preparedness in a time of heightened regional instability.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir congratulated the troops, scientists, and engineers involved in the successful exercise, expressing their confidence in Pakistan’s military capabilities.

They expressed full confidence in the Pakistan Army’s preparedness and technical expertise to counter any aggression against the nation’s territorial integrity.

The missile test comes amid deteriorating relations between Pakistan and India, exacerbated by India's sweeping actions against Pakistan following the Pahalgam incident last month. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to punish those responsible for the attack on domestic tourists in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir’s (IIOJK) Pahalgam, calling the attackers’ backers "beyond their imagination."

While tensions run high, Pakistan has denied involvement in the attack, reiterating its willingness to participate in a neutral, independent investigation. Despite this, New Delhi’s leadership and media have continued to promote narratives fueling the risk of conflict.

In response to rising threats from India, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar reassured the international community of Pakistan’s commitment to peace and stability in the region. Speaking at an event in Islamabad, Dar said, “You have to work on the other side, don’t worry about us. I have given you my word. We will exercise restraint.”

By Vafa Guliyeva