The Pakistani military on Saturday successfully test-fired a ground-to-ground ballistic missile capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads, amid rising regional tensions with India. The test comes in the wake of a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, that killed 26 civilians.
According to Dawn News, Pakistan’s military confirmed the successful launch of the Abdali missile, a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) with a range of up to 450 kilometers. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of Pakistan’s armed forces, stated the test was part of a routine training exercise intended to validate technical parameters of the missile, including accuracy, navigation, and operational readiness.
The test was conducted days after militants attacked a group of Hindu pilgrims in the Pahalgam area, an incident that Indian officials have linked to Pakistan-based terrorist networks. While Pakistan has denied any involvement, the incident has further strained relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
The ISPR emphasized that the missile launch was not aimed at any specific country and should be viewed in the context of ongoing internal preparedness drills. However, defense analysts believe the timing of the launch may be intended to signal Pakistan’s strategic posture amid escalating rhetoric from Indian leadership.
India’s Reaction
In response, Indian officials have condemned the missile test as “unhelpful and provocative.” Senior defense analysts in New Delhi warned that the move could further inflame tensions at a time when emotions are already high due to the Pahalgam attack. While India has not announced any immediate military response, troop movements along the Line of Control (LoC) have increased, and national security meetings have been convened.
Regional and Global Reactions
- China has urged both India and Pakistan to “exercise maximum restraint” and emphasized that diplomacy remains the only path to long-term peace. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi offered to mediate talks if both parties agree, underscoring Beijing’s concern over escalating military posturing in South Asia.
- Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, have called for calm and offered to facilitate diplomatic engagement. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) also issued a statement urging both sides to avoid further escalation and focus on regional stability.
The situation remains tense, with the international community closely monitoring developments. Both India and Pakistan have fought multiple wars and skirmishes since independence, and their history of rapid escalation makes the current climate particularly volatile.
[with media inputs]
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