Pakistan's military said it had successfully tested the ballistic missiles due to tensions with neighboring India in the deadly firing attack in India-managed Kashmir last month.
The Pakistani government said the surface-down missile, called the Abdali weapon system, has a range of 450 kilometers (280 miles), and was successfully tested in part on Saturday.
It added that the launch was “designated to ensure the operational preparation of the troops and validate key technical parameters, including the missile’s advanced navigation system and enhanced operability capabilities”.
Tactical missiles that can carry conventional and nuclear warheads are named after the founder of modern Afghanistan in the 18th century Ahmad Shah Abdali, who led many invasions of the Indian subcontinent.
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated scientists, engineers and those behind successful missile tests.
Pakistan successfully trained the Abdari weapon system, a surface-to-ground missile in 450 kilometers, as part of the former Indiana state.
The release aims to ensure the operational preparation and validation of key technical parameters, including… pic.twitter.com/1chhy9djhn
- Pakistan Government (@govtofpakistan) May 3, 2025
Three days after the ballistic missile test fire, Pakistan's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Islamabad has "reliable intelligence" and India intends to launch a military strike within 24 to 36 hours in response to the killing of 25 male tourists and a Kashmir last month in Kashmir, an Indian-born Ariminister, last month.
Both India and Pakistan have demands for the entire Kashmir region, but dominate some areas. They have often seen tensions intensify on this issue since independence from the British rule in 1947.
New Delhi accused Islamabad of suspected Kashmir rebels of supporting the attack on April 22 in the scenic Pahargam region and claimed that Pakistani nationals were involved in the killings. Pakistan denies participating in the attack.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he had responded “full operational freedom” when he had promised to pursue those who supported the “end of the earth” attack.
Pakistani Minister Tarar said Indian leaders hope to use the Pahargam attack as a "false excuse" for potential strikes on Pakistan.
On Friday, General Syed Asim Munir, chief of staff of Pakistan Army, chaired his senior commander meeting involving the "current Pakistan-Indian standoff". A military statement said.
Munir “emphasized the importance of vigilance and active preparation in every aspect”.
Since the attack, it was Kashmir's deadliest attack on civilians in years - India and Pakistan have exchanged diplomatic barbs and deportations for the tit tat and closed crossings. India also suspended participation in the 1960 Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan.
The two nuclear-weapon states also exchanged gunfire along the militarized Line of Control (LOC), which de facto borders separate Kashmir while Pakistan threatened to suspend its participation in the 1972 Simla Agreement, which is based on the LOC.
Indian-managed Kashmiris have been concerned about the devastating consequences of potential military conflicts between the two countries.