Pakistan has conducted a test launch of a ballistic missile amid heightened tensions with India following a recent deadly attack on tourists in the contentious Kashmir region. The missile, reported to be the surface-to-surface Abdali Weapon System, boasts a range of 450 kilometres, according to the Pakistani military.
The military described the Saturday launch as a means to enhance the operational readiness of its forces and to validate crucial technical specifications, particularly the missile’s advanced navigation system and improved manoeuvrability. In recognition of the successful test, Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended their congratulations.
Notably, missiles are typically tested away from the India-Pakistan border, often directed towards the Arabian Sea or the deserts in Balochistan. Islamabad-based security analyst Syed Muhammad Ali commented on the symbolic importance of the missile’s name, which pays homage to a notable Muslim conqueror of India. He further noted that the timing of this launch serves as a significant geopolitical message to India, particularly after India’s recent threat to halt a vital water-sharing agreement.
In a related context, the Indian navy announced on April 27 that its vessels had successfully conducted anti-ship firings to demonstrate their readiness for long-range precision offensive strikes.
The Kashmir region remains a point of contention between India and Pakistan, with both nations laying claim to the area in its entirety. Their historical relationship has been characterised by conflict, aggressive diplomatic exchanges, and deep-rooted suspicion, primarily stemming from their contentious claims over Kashmir. Recent developments in the region have led to both countries expelling each other’s diplomats and closing airspace, further intensifying the ongoing strain in relations.