Sat May 03 07:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Rawalpindi Residents Undergo Self-Defense Training Amidst India-Pakistan Tensions
**Rawalpindi, Pakistan** – Following the Pulwama terror attack, fear of retaliatory action from India has gripped Rawalpindi, leading to widespread self-defense training among its residents. The city, home to Pakistan’s army headquarters, is reportedly bracing for a potential Indian attack.
According to reports from the Express Tribune, the Rawalpindi district administration and public safety department are conducting self-defense training programs, with a significant participation from women. Over 3,500 volunteers have already received training in self-preservation and emergency response techniques, including first aid, rescue operations from damaged buildings, and fire safety. Training camps are being held at various locations, including the Rawalpindi Cantt police station, Raja Bazaar’s Mission Higher Secondary School, and the Public Safety Headquarters.
The city administration has also installed 16 sirens across Rawalpindi to alert residents in case of an attack, and established 38 checkpoints for 24/7 surveillance. These measures underscore a growing lack of confidence in the Pakistani army’s ability to protect the city, located only 100 kilometers from the India-Pakistan border.
While Indian forces have historically avoided targeting civilians, the heightened state of alert and proactive self-defense measures reflect a palpable anxiety among Rawalpindi’s population concerning the possibility of Indian military action. The fear is fueled by the perceived likelihood of India retaliating for the Pulwama attack.
First Piper 