ISLAMABAD — In the midst of heightened tensions with India, Pakistan conducted a test launch of a ballistic missile on Saturday. This development comes after a violent attack last month on tourists in the contentious Kashmir region, which has exacerbated the already strained relations between the two neighboring countries.
The Pakistani military stated that the surface-to-surface missile, named the Abdali Weapon System, has a reach of about 450 kilometers (approximately 280 miles). There wasn’t any immediate response from India regarding this test. India holds Pakistan accountable for the deadly shooting on April 22 in Pahalgam, a tourist destination, although Pakistan firmly denies such allegations.
The military in Pakistan explained that the missile test was conducted to assure operational readiness and to validate the missile’s key technological attributes, including its advanced navigation and improved maneuverability capabilities. Both President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended their congratulations to those responsible for the successful test. Testing of such missiles usually occurs in remote areas and is not aimed towards the Indian border.
According to Islamabad-based security analyst Syed Muhammad Ali, the missile’s name carries significant symbolism, being named after a notable Muslim conqueror of India. The launch serves as a strategic message to India, especially following India’s threat to annul a vital water-sharing treaty, Ali noted.
India, meanwhile, carried out its own military exercises. On April 27, its navy reported successful anti-ship missile firings, indicating their preparedness for precision long-range offensive strikes. In response to the attacks, Ashok Malik, a former policy advisor from India’s Foreign Ministry, commented that public sentiment is running high due to the attack’s aftermath, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals from 13 diverse states in India.
Malik elaborated that while there is international sympathy towards India, there is limited tolerance for Pakistan’s actions. He emphasized that India does not seek a full-scale conflict, yet domestic and diplomatic dynamics may prompt a restrained response to Pakistan’s provocations. The prevailing hostilities have been evident, particularly noticeable at the volatile Line of Control that segments Kashmir.
Kashmir remains a flashpoint between the two nations, both claiming sovereignty over the entire region. The discord has historically fueled three wars, with Kashmir being the core issue behind these conflicts. The latest bout of tension has led to reciprocal expulsion of diplomats and nationals, along with airspace restrictions between the two countries.
In a series of measures, India halted the passage of letters and packages from Pakistan and imposed a ban on imports from its western neighbor. Additionally, both Pakistani-flagged vessels and Indian ships heading to Pakistani ports have been restricted.
On the ground, the Indian military reported that Pakistani forces had engaged in cross-border firing for the ninth consecutive night, which they termed as unprovoked. The Indian military stated they responded in a manner proportional to the alleged provocations, though Pakistan has not confirmed these exchanges.
The escalation has drawn crowds at the Wagah border to witness the daily flag-lowering ceremony, an event heavy with patriotic fervor involving synchronized performances by Pakistani Rangers and the Indian Border Security Force. Among the onlookers, Shoaib-ur-Rehman described the intense emotions witnessed during the ceremony, while expressing hopes for peace but readiness for conflict if necessary.
Sundas Batool, another spectator, urged India to provide evidence for their accusations regarding Pakistan’s involvement in the Pahalgam incident. Her message underscored the determination of those on the Pakistani side of the border, suggesting they are prepared for any future developments.