Pakistan tests ballistic missile amid tensions with India over Pahalgam terror attack

Escalating tensions with India, Pakistan has claimed to have successfully tested a surface-to-surface ballistic missile with a 450-km range on Saturday. The missile, known as the Abdali Weapon System, was tested as part of its military drill ‘Exercise INDUS’, Pakistani media reports said.

The test, conducted at the Sonmiani Ranges, was likely part of an operational user trial conducted under the Army Strategic Forces Command (ASFC), which handles Pakistan’s nuclear-capable missiles.

The launch was witnessed by the Commander Army Strategic Forces Command, Lt. General Muhammad Shahbaz Khan, and Major General Sheharyar Pervez Butt, DG PDS at Strategic Plans Division.

Following India’s series of diplomatic missiles and punitive actions after the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan has been consistently issuing NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) threatening missile test launches in the region.