Pakistan has test-fired its Abdali surface-to-surface ballistic missile, escalating tensions with its neighbour following the deadly Pahalgam attack in Kashmir. The launch, conducted on May 3, demonstrated the missile’s 450-kilometre range and enhanced manoeuvrability, according to Pakistan’s military. Officials described the exercise as a validation of operational readiness amid deteriorating bilateral relations.
The missile test comes in the wake of the April 22 massacre in Pahalgam, where 26 tourists from 13 states were killed. India has accused Pakistan of orchestrating the attack, a claim Islamabad denies. The incident has led to a series of retaliatory measures, including the expulsion of diplomats, suspension of airspace access, and halting of trade and communication links. India has also banned Pakistani imports and barred vessels flagged by Pakistan from its ports.
In addition to the missile test, Pakistan has increased its military activities in the Arabian Sea. The Pakistan Navy has been conducting extensive drills, including the multinational Aman-2025 exercise, which concluded in February with participation from over 60 countries. These exercises aim to enhance maritime cooperation and regional security.
The situation along the Line of Control remains volatile, with both sides accusing each other of unprovoked hostilities. Nightly exchanges of fire have been reported, and both militaries are on high alert. Pakistani army chief Gen. Asim Munir has warned India against military misadventure, vowing a strong response.
The United States has intervened diplomatically, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling for de-escalation. Rubio has spoken with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, urging both sides to exercise restraint. Sharif has denied involvement in the Pahalgam attack and suggested an international investigation.
Meanwhile, civilians near the LoC are living in fear, retreating to bunkers and avoiding public spaces amid speculation of an imminent Indian military strike. More than 1,000 religious schools in Pakistan-administered Kashmir have been closed, officially due to heat, but with security concerns also cited.
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