Islamabad: The Pakistani military has announced the successful test firing of a ballistic missile on May 3, amidst rising tensions with India following a recent militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir. The missile test comes at a time when both nations are on high alert, exchanging fire across the Line of Control (LoC), the disputed border in the Kashmir region. According to Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty, the Pakistani army released video footage showing a missile launch, with soldiers witnessing the event and celebrating its success. The missile tested was the Abdali surface-to-surface system, capable of reaching targets up to 450 kilometers away. This development follows accusations by India that Pakistan was involved in the militant attack, leading to an atmosphere of heightened military readiness on both sides. Pakistan had previously warned of an imminent Indian attack within 24-36 hours, which did not occur. In a bid to de-escalate the situation, Pakistan sought intervention from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. However, the recent missile test could potentially reignite tensions, as India had earlier cautioned that such actions would be considered provocative. The test elicited praise from Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who commended the scientists and engineers involved. Islamabad-based security analyst Syed Muhammad Ali noted the symbolic naming of the Abdali missile after a historical Muslim conqueror of India, Ahmad Shah Durrani, emphasizing its strategic significance in the current geopolitical climate. This missile test is part of a series of developments in Pakistan's missile program. The country last conducted a test in August 2024 with the Shaheen II missile, which has a range of 2,000 kilometers, as reported by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). Additionally, in October 2023, Pakistan successfully tested the Ababbeel weapon system, aimed at bolstering regional deterrence and strategic stability.
