ISLAMABAD: Pakistan successfully conducted the training launch of a surface-to-surface missile with a range of 120 kilometers on Monday, the military’s media wing said, amid fears of Islamabad’s surging tensions with New Delhi resulting in a military confrontation.
Pakistani and Indian forces have traded intermittent fire along the de facto border between the two states in the disputed Kashmir region since Apr. 26. Tensions between the two countries rose after a militant attack at a popular tourist spot in Indian-administered Kashmir on Apr. 22 killed 26 tourists. India blamed Pakistan for the attack, which Islamabad strongly denied and called for an international probe into the incident.
Pakistan has warned India of a “decisive” response if it launches any military action against it. On Saturday, Pakistan conducted a successful training launch of the Abdali Weapon System— a surface-to-surface missile with a range of 450 kilometers.
“Pakistan today conducted a successful training launch of a FATAH Series surface-to-surface missile with a range of 120 kilometers as part of ongoing Ex INDUS,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing, said.
The training launch was witnessed by senior officers of the Pakistan Army, as well as officers, scientists and engineers from the country’s strategic organizations, the ISPR said.
“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 accuracy,” it added.
The military said Pakistan’s chairman joint chiefs of staff committee, and Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir congratulated the participating troops, scientists and engineers.
“They expressed complete confidence in the operational preparedness and technical proficiency of the Pakistan Army to thwart any aggression against the territorial integrity of Pakistan,” the statement said.
Pakistan and India have fought two out of three wars over the disputed Kashmir territory. Each side claims the territory in full but administers only parts of it, separated by a de facto border known as the Line of Control (LoC).
Both countries have taken hostile measures against each other since the attack, including expelling their nationals and suspending bilateral trade. India also announced it was suspending a decades-long water-sharing treaty between the two nations, with Pakistan warning attempts to block or divert its water flow would be considered an “act of war.”
Top Pakistani leaders have reached out to foreign capitals and senior officials in China, United States, Russia, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Iran and other countries, amid fears that India’s possible action over the attack may lead to a wider conflict in the region.
