Pak test-fires second missile to ‘ensure operational readiness of troops’

In yet another provocative move, Pakistan test-fired its Fatah surface-to-surface missile amid escalating tensions with India over the Pahalgam attack.

The Pakistan military on Monday (May 5) said it has conducted a missile test with a range of 120 kilometres, the second launch in two days as tensions with India have soared.

The Pakistani military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said the test, conducted as part of the ongoing ‘Exercise Indus’, aimed to ensure the operational readiness of its troops and validate the missile’s advanced navigation and accuracy systems.

Also read: Reservoir flushing, new hydro projects: India intensifies efforts to stop water flow to Pak

Back-to-back missile tests

This latest test follows Saturday’s launch of the Abdali Weapon System, a ballistic missile boasting a range of 450 kilometres.

These back-to-back tests are seen by New Delhi as provocative acts, further straining the already frosty ties between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

The ISPR, in a statement, said that senior officers of the Pakistani army, scientists, and engineers were present at the Fatah missile launch, and Pakistan’s top military leadership congratulated them, expressing full confidence in their operational preparedness to defend the nation’s territorial integrity.

Also read: Rafale jets in hangars with chilly, lemon tied to it: Congress leader sparks row

India’s military might

Meanwhile, India has also been testing its defence capabilities. Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s directive granting the military “full operational freedom” to respond to the Pahalgam terror attack, India has ramped up military drills.

This includes the successful interception of a fast, low-flying target using a Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) system in the Arabian Sea by its indigenous warship, INS Surat.

India has also brought its Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) fleet back into action after grounding it in January to check for possible technical faults.

In response to the terror attack in Pahalgam, India has taken stern diplomatic and economic measures, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, cancelling visas for Pakistani nationals, and shutting down the Attari land border crossing.

Also read: Pakistan test-fires ballistic missile; India calls it ‘dangerous escalation’

Sharif hails Pakistani army

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the country was prepared "for national defence" after the military conducted a second missile test amid tensions with India.

"The successful training launch clearly shows that Pakistan's defence is in strong hands," he said in a statement.

Sharif added that he was satisfied with the army's "full preparedness for national defence".

Rising global concerns

The situation has drawn international attention, with the United States, European Union, and other global powers urging both countries to exercise restraint.

Experts warn that while neither India nor Pakistan is likely to resort to nuclear weapons, even limited military exchanges carry the risk of rapid escalation.

As diplomatic ties between the two countries remain strained following recent events, both nations remain locked in nightly ceasefire violations along the Line of Control, keeping the region on edge.