On Monday, Pakistan successfully carried out a training launch of a surface-to-surface missile from the Fatah Series, boasting a range of 120 kilometres, according to a statement released by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). This launch was part of the ongoing military exercise “Ex Indus”.
The test comes at a time of heightened tensions between Pakistan and India, following a deadly attack in occupied Kashmir that killed 26 people, mostly tourists, in Pahalgam on April 22. While India has suggested cross-border involvement, Pakistan has denied the allegations and called for an impartial investigation.
According to ISPR, the missile launch aimed to assess the operational readiness of troops and validate critical technical features, including an upgraded navigation system and enhanced precision. Senior army officials, along with scientists and engineers from Pakistan’s strategic organisations, witnessed the test.
The Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and the Chief of Army Staff extended their congratulations to the participating personnel and reaffirmed their confidence in the army’s capability to defend the country’s sovereignty.
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President Asif Ali Zardari also commended the scientists, engineers, and security forces for their contribution to strengthening Pakistan’s defence. He reiterated the country’s unwavering commitment to national security in a statement shared via the Pakistan Peoples Party’s social media.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the leadership of the military and the expertise of the teams involved in the missile launch. He remarked that the successful test is a testament to the strong state of Pakistan’s defence and military preparedness.
Just days before, Pakistan had also successfully tested the Abdali Weapon System, a surface-to-surface missile with a range of 450 kilometres. In May of the previous year, the military conducted a test of the Fatah-II guided rocket system, with a range of 400 kilometres. This system is equipped with a precision guidance system and advanced terminal guidance technology, enabling it to bypass enemy anti-ballistic missile defences.
Since April 25, cross-border shelling has been reported along the Line of Control (LoC) in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, with Pakistan responding to what it describes as unprovoked Indian aggression.
In response to the escalating situation, ISPR Director General Lt General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry and Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar briefed political leaders during an in-camera national security session in Islamabad. The DG ISPR emphasized that Pakistan’s armed forces are fully prepared to respond to any form of aggression.
