Pakistan claimed on Saturday that it had test-fired a 450-km range surface-to-surface ballistic missile, further escalating tensions with India after the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
The missile has been identified as the Abdali Weapon System.
Exercise Indus
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) was quoted as saying by Dunya News that the launch was part of Exercise Indus and aimed at ensuring the operational readiness of troops and validating key technical parameters, including the missile’s advanced navigation system and enhanced manoeuvrability features.
Senior Pakistani Defence officials reportedly witnessed the test launch of the missile.
Following the successful launch, President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, and Services Chiefs expressed complete confidence in the operational preparedness and technical proficiency of Pakistan’s strategic forces to ensure credible minimum deterrence and safeguard national security, reported Dunya News.
Following the Pahalgam attack, Pakistan has been provoking India with regular ceasefire violations along the Line of Control.
India Bans Imports From Pakistan
India has banned all direct or indirect imports from Pakistan in another diplomatic strike on Islamabad in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, media reports said.
The Commerce Industry has issued a notification which reads as quoted by NDTV, “Direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, whether or not freely importable or otherwise permitted, shall be prohibited with immediate effect, until further orders.”
Pahalgam Terror Attack
On April 22, Pahalgam’s scenic Baisaran meadow echoed with the sounds of gunshots when terrorists shot dead 26 men, mostly non-Muslim tourists, in one of the deadliest terror attacks on civilians in the country.
Survivors said the gunmen asked some victims about their religion and demanded they recite Islamic verses. Those who failed or hesitated were shot in the head.
Security officials said at least five terrorists split into smaller groups and attacked three zones in the meadow.
Lasting under ten minutes, the assault left 26 dead, including 25 tourists and a local pony operator.
An Intelligence Bureau (IB) official, an Indian Navy Lieutenant, and an Indian Air Force (IAF) corporal — all were on vacation with their families — were among the deceased.
The massacre triggered nationwide outrage and escalated India-Pakistan tensions as New Delhi vowed to avenge the killings.
(With inputs from IBNS)
