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Published : 03 May 2025, 04:22 PM
Pakistan has successfully test-fired the Abdali surface-to-surface ballistic missile, which has an extended range of 450 km, the military’s media wing announced on Saturday, according to the Dawn newspaper.
The launch, part of “Exercise Indus,” aimed to validate key technical parameters and ensure the operational readiness of Pakistan’s strategic forces, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
The test was observed by senior officials from the Army Strategic Forces Command and the Strategic Plans Division, along with scientists and engineers from the country’s strategic organisations, the Dawn added.
President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and military leaders congratulated the team and reaffirmed confidence in Pakistan’s nuclear deterrence capabilities.
The launch came hours after Indian officials labelled Pakistan’s planned missile test a “reckless provocation” and a “dangerous escalation” of its hostile campaign”, according to the Hindustan Times.
Tensions have heightened between the two nuclear-powered South Asian rivals following a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which killed 26 people, mostly tourists.
India has blamed cross-border elements, a claim Pakistan denies, calling instead for an independent investigation.
In response to the attack, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi granted the military “full operational freedom” to decide its response.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has reinforced positions along the Line of Control (LoC), where cross-border firing has escalated since late April.
Pakistan’s military described the missile test as routine and defensive, but Indian authorities viewed it as an attempt to escalate tensions.
Diplomatic efforts are reportedly underway, with the US and EU reaching out to both sides to prevent further deterioration.
The Abdali missile, previously known for a range of 180-200 km, appeared to have been upgraded for this test.
It joins Pakistan’s broader missile arsenal, including the Shaheen-II, which was last tested in August 2024.
The ISPR reiterated that Pakistan’s strategic forces remain prepared to respond to “any aggression” and uphold national security, underscoring what officials describe as the country’s commitment to credible minimum deterrence in a volatile regional environment.
