Amid Tensions With India, Pakistan Tests Ballistic Missile With 450 Km Range

Pakistan on Saturday (3 May) claimed to have successfully tested a surface-to-surface ballistic missile with a 450-km range, NDTV reported.

The missile, known as the Abdali Weapon System, was launched as part of Exercise INDUS, Pakistan claimed.

The missile test comes at a time of escalating India-Pakistan tensions following the terror attack in Pahalgam.

"The launch was aimed at ensuring the operational readiness of troops and validating key technical parameters, including the missile's advanced navigation system and enhanced manoeuvrability features," the Pakistani government said.

Pakistan has been continuously trying to provoke India through repeated ceasefire violations along the LoC and the International Border.

Indian forces, according to officials, have responded proportionately to each incident.

Since the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistani leaders have issued a string of inflammatory remarks, keeping tensions at a boil.

Pakistan’s Information Minister had claimed India was planning an attack within 36 hours. However, over 72 hours have passed since the statement with no military action by India.

On 29 April, Pakistani defence minister made a similar vague warning about an imminent attack.

At least 26 people, mostly civilians, were killed in the 22 April attack in Baisaran meadow in J&K's Pahalgam by Pakistan-linked terrorists.

A terror outfit linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba had claimed responsibility for the attack.

As terror links to Pakistan surfaced following the attack, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, cancelled all visas of Pakistani nationals and shut down its airspace for flights from the neighbouring country.

Pakistan, in response, had threatened to suspend all bilateral agreements with India, including the Simla agreement. The two countries have also downgraded diplomatic ties in the aftermath of the deadly terror attack.

India further tightened its stance by banning all imports from Pakistan and prohibiting vessels bearing the Pakistani flag from entering Indian waters.

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