New Delhi: Pakistan announced that it successfully conducted tests of its surface-to-surface ballistic missile on Saturday, reaching a range of 450 km. This missile, known as the Abdali weapon system, was launched as part of a program called Movement Indus, according to Islamabad.
The context for these missile tests is the rising tensions with India, especially following the terrorist attack in Pahargam. From India’s perspective, missile tests by neighboring countries are seen as serious provocations, sources indicated.
The Pakistani government stated, “The launch is meant to ensure military readiness and to confirm important technical features that improve the missile’s advanced navigation and maneuverability.” Prime Minister Shebaz Sharif, along with military leaders, expressed “full confidence” in the country’s military preparedness and technical capabilities to safeguard national security.
This missile test is yet another provocative action from Pakistan, coinciding with regular ceasefire violations along the border that separates Pakistan-occupied Kashmir from India. Furthermore, inflammatory remarks from Pakistani leaders have been a constant since the Pahargam attack on April 22nd.
