Pakistan Test-Fires Abdali Ballistic Missile Amid Escalating Tensions With India

May 03, 2025: Pakistan has successfully conducted a test launch of the Abdali Weapon System, a surface-to-surface ballistic missile capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear warheads, amid heightened tensions with India following a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir.

According to a statement released by the Pakistani military on Saturday, the missile has a range of 450 km (280 miles) and was tested during a military exercise aimed at validating its advanced navigation system and enhanced maneuverability.

Officials said the launch was intended to ensure the “operational readiness” of Pakistan’s strategic forces. The test comes just days after Pakistan’s Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, claimed that Islamabad had received “credible intelligence” indicating India may be planning a retaliatory military strike within 24 to 36 hours following last month’s Pahalgam attack, which killed 25 tourists and one Kashmiri.

The Abdali missile, named after 18th-century Afghan ruler Ahmad Shah Abdali, symbolizes tactical capability and regional deterrence, underscoring Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining a credible defense posture.

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif both congratulated the nation’s scientists and military personnel for the successful test, praising their contributions to national defense.

The missile test adds to the growing unease in South Asia, as diplomatic and military relations between India and Pakistan remain severely strained.

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