Pakistan Conducts Abdali Missile Test Amid Soaring Regional Tensions

ISLAMABAD, May 3, 2025: Pakistan on Saturday successfully conducted a missile test of the Abdali Weapon System, a short-range surface-to-surface missile with a range of 450 kilometres, according to the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The missile test, held on May 3 as part of “Exercise Indus,” aimed to ensure operational readiness of troops and validate critical technical parameters, including the missile’s advanced navigation system and enhanced maneuverability. The launch was witnessed by the Commander of the Army Strategic Forces Command (AFSC), senior officials from the Strategic Plans Division, and scientists and engineers from Pakistan’s strategic organizations.

President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, and the services chiefs extended their congratulations to the participating personnel. They expressed full confidence in the strategic forces’ preparedness and their capability to ensure credible minimum deterrence.

The missile test comes amid growing tensions with India following a deadly April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Indian-occupied Kashmir, which killed 26 people, mostly tourists. India has suggested cross-border involvement without evidence, while Pakistan has firmly denied the allegations and called for an impartial international probe.

Since April 25, the Line of Control (LoC) in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has witnessed consistent shelling by Indian forces, prompting a robust response from the Pakistan Army. Islamabad has also reinforced its defensive positions after the Indian leadership reportedly granted “operational freedom” to its military.

On May 1, Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir warned that any Indian “misadventure” would be met with a “swift, resolute and notch-up response.” A day later, the army’s top brass echoed the warning, vowing a “sure and decisive” reaction to any escalation.

Meanwhile, diplomatic channels remain active, with the United States and European Union urging restraint and engaging both sides to prevent further deterioration.