Pakistan launches missile amid India standoff

Pakistan’s military carried out a training launch of its Abdali surface-to-surface missile system on Saturday, amid heightened tensions with India following last month’s deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir.

The missile, with a range of 450 kilometres, was tested to ensure troop readiness and validate its navigation and manoeuvrability systems, according to an official statement. The test location was not disclosed.

The launch follows growing tensions after an attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, killed 26 people, mostly Hindu tourists. India has blamed the attack on Pakistan-backed militants and granted its military “full operational freedom” in response.

Pakistan has denied involvement and called for an independent investigation. It also warned of a possible Indian airstrike and reiterated its readiness to respond to any aggression.

The situation has drawn global concern, with calls for restraint from China and the European Union. A US official urged both sides to avoid regional conflict and stressed the need for Pakistan to take action against militant groups.

Analysts in Pakistan view the missile launch as a strategic signal of military preparedness. The country’s army chief recently convened top commanders to assess the standoff, stressing vigilance across all fronts.

Since the attack, both countries have engaged in diplomatic expulsions, border closures, and nightly exchanges of fire along the Line of Control.

The disputed region of Kashmir, claimed by both nations, has long been a flashpoint. An insurgency has simmered on the Indian side since 1989, with New Delhi accusing Islamabad of supporting militants—an allegation Pakistan denies, insisting it supports only the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.