By The Sampadak Express
Pakistan on Saturday conducted a successful test of its Abdali surface to surface ballistic missile, escalating tensions with India just hours after New Delhi labelled the planned launch a “reckless act of provocation.”
According to a statement from Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the missile test was conducted as part of a broader military exercise dubbed “Exercise Indus.” The test aimed to validate the operational readiness of troops and key technical improvements in the missile’s design, including a more advanced navigation system and enhanced manoeuvrability.
The Abdali missile, which has been in service with Pakistan’s strategic forces, was previously believed to have a range of 180 to 200 kilometers. However, the version tested on Saturday reportedly demonstrated a significantly extended range of 450 kilometers, indicating a potential upgrade in capabilities.
The launch was witnessed by senior officials from Pakistan’s Strategic Forces Command, the Strategic Plans Division which oversees the country’s nuclear assets and scientists from key strategic organizations. Pakistan’s top leadership, including President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and the heads of all three armed forces, expressed full confidence in the strategic forces’ readiness and capabilities.
India, which is grappling with the aftermath of the recent Pahalgam terror attack, had earlier raised alarms over Pakistan’s missile test. Authorities in New Delhi described the move as a “dangerous escalation” and part of a broader “hostile campaign” by Islamabad.
Sources familiar with the situation said that Pakistan had issued urgent naval alerts, increased military drills in the Arabian Sea, and violated ceasefire agreements along the Line of Control (LoC) multiple times since January. The most intense exchange of fire along the LoC since the 2021 ceasefire agreement occurred earlier this week, further heightening concerns.
India responded by granting its armed forces “complete operational freedom” to determine the course of action in response to the terror attack. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reiterated India’s determination to “deliver a crushing blow to terrorism.”
Pakistan, meanwhile, has denied involvement in the Pahalgam incident and called for an independent investigation. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar stressed that Pakistan would not escalate the situation but warned of a “very strong” response to any aggressive moves by India.
The missile test also comes amid renewed friction over the Indus Waters Treaty, with India reportedly moving to suspend the decades-old agreement as a punitive measure. Pakistani officials have warned that any attempt to block or alter their water share under the treaty would be considered an “act of war.”
With both nations conducting simultaneous military exercises and sharpening rhetoric, regional observers fear the potential for further escalation.
