Ballistic Missile Test: Pakistani PM and President Congratulate Military

Ballistic Missile Test: Pakistani PM and President Congratulate Military

[Islamabad, May 3, 2025] — According to a report from the Associated Press (AP), Pakistan conducted a successful test launch of a ballistic missile on Saturday, amid rising tensions with India following a deadly attack on tourists in the disputed Kashmir region.

The Pakistani military stated that the surface-to-surface missile, named the “Abdali Weapon System,” has a range of 450 kilometers (approximately 280 miles). India has not issued an immediate response to the launch. India has been accusing Pakistan of involvement in the April 22 gun attack on tourists in Kashmir’s Pahalgam town—an allegation Islamabad has consistently denied.

According to Pakistan’s military, the purpose of the launch was “to assess the operational readiness of troops and to validate the missile’s advanced navigation system and strategic maneuverability.”

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the personnel involved in the successful test. Such missile tests are usually conducted in the Arabian Sea or the deserts of Balochistan, rather than near the Indian border.

Defense analyst Ali told the Associated Press, “The timing of this launch is extremely significant in the current geopolitical context.” He added that it served as a strategic message to India, especially in response to India’s threat to revoke a key water-sharing treaty.

Earlier, on April 27, the Indian Navy reported that its vessels had successfully tested anti-ship missiles as part of a readiness drill for long-range precision strikes.

Ashok Malik, a former adviser to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, stated, “The killing of 26 people from 13 Indian states in the Kashmir attack has created widespread anger across the country. Internationally, India has received sympathy, while patience with Pakistan is wearing thin.”

He added, “Nobody wants a full-scale war, but there is both diplomatic space and domestic pressure for a limited and targeted response.”

The ongoing tension is reflected in the "muscle flexing" by troops along the Line of Control, where hostilities continue.

Kashmir: Renewed Tensions over an Old Dispute

Both India and Pakistan claim the entire Kashmir region and have fought two of their three wars over it. The area has long been at the heart of mutual distrust, military conflict, and diplomatic tensions.

The recent flare-up has led to the severing of diplomatic ties, closure of airspace, and the expulsion of each other’s diplomats and citizens.

On Saturday, India suspended all air and land-based mail exchanges with Pakistan and imposed an immediate ban on the import of all goods from the neighboring country. It also banned Pakistani-flagged ships from entering Indian ports and prohibited Indian-flagged vessels from visiting Pakistani ports.

India’s military reported that Pakistani troops had fired on Indian positions for the ninth consecutive night. Calling the firing “unprovoked,” Indian forces said they responded “promptly and proportionately.” Pakistan did not comment on the matter.

Patriotism and War Sentiments at the Wagah Border

Despite the heightened tensions, Pakistani visitors gathered at the Wagah border on Saturday to witness the traditional flag-lowering ceremony. In this event, Pakistan Rangers and India’s Border Security Force perform a dramatic parade on either side of the border gate.

Attendee Shoaib-ur-Rehman said the experience stirred deep patriotism within him and that he witnessed “extraordinary emotions.”

Though he does not wish for war with India, he said he is ready to fight for his country if war breaks out.

Another attendee, Sundas Batool, urged India to provide proof of Pakistan’s involvement in the Pahalgam attack.

“They must have seen our spirit and morale,” said Batool. “My message to India is: we are ready for anything.”