Pakistan begins training missiles from surface to surface in the fear of military escalation with India against fatal attacks on Kashmir tourists.
Pakistani forces say they successfully burned ballistic missiles as tensions remained high with nearby India over a deadly fire attack in India-controlled Kashmir last month.
The Pakistani government said the surface-to-face and surface missiles, named the Abdali weapons system, ranging from 450 km (280 miles), were successfully tested at a 450 km (280 miles).
The launch added that it “is intended to verify key technical parameters, such as ensuring the operational potential of the military and enhancing the advanced navigation system and maneuverability capabilities of the missile.”
The tactical missiles capable of carrying traditional and nuclear warheads are named after Ahmad Shah Abdali, the 18th century founder of modern Afghanistan, who led many invasions in the Indian subcontinent.
Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shebaz Sharif congratulated scientists, engineers and those behind successful missile testing.
Pakistan has successfully trained the Abdali Weapon System, a surface-to-surface missile in a range of 450km, as part of the Ex Indus.
The launch was intended to ensure the operational potential of the military and to verify key technical parameters, including pic.twitter.com/1chhy9djhn
– Government of Pakistan (@govtofpakistan) May 3, 2025
The test filing of the ballistic missile comes three days after Pakistani Information Minister Atala Tara said Islamabad had the “reliable intelligence” that he intends to launch a military strike within 24-36 hours in response to the murder of 25 male tourists and Kashmiri in Kashmir, where India was Indian-Dominist.
India and Pakistan both make claims across the Kashmir region, but dominate some of them. They have seen tensions frequently surge in the issue since independence from British rule in 1947.
New Delhi accused Islamabad of supporting the April 22 attack in the scenic Pahargam region of suspected rebels in Kashmir, claiming that Pakistani citizens were involved in the killings. Pakistan denied involvement in the attack.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he gave him his military “full operational freedom” as he pledged to pursue those who supported the attack “to the edge of the earth.”
Pakistani Minister Talal said he hopes Indian leaders will use the attack on Pahargam as a “false pretext” to attack Pakistan.
On Friday, Pakistan’s Army Chief of Staff Saeed Asim Munir was the main side of his Commander-in-Chief meeting on “current Pakistan India Standoff,” the military statement said.
Munir “emphasized the critical importance of intensifying vigilance and active preparation in all respects.”
Since the attack – India and Pakistan, the deadliest civilians in Kashmir for many years, have closed the border crossings, trading neglected diplomatic barbs. India has also suspended participation in the 1960 Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan.
The two nuclear-armed countries exchanged gunfires along the militarized control lines (LOCs).
The people of Kashmir, managed by India, are worried about the catastrophic effects of potential military conflicts between the two countries.
