Pakistan tests ballistic missile capable of engaging sea, ground targets

The collage of image provided by Pakistan Navy shows a successful test flight of an indigenously developed anti-ship ballistic missile (left) on November 25, 2025. (Pakistan Navy)
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Updated 25 November 2025
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Pakistan tests ballistic missile capable of engaging sea, ground targets

  • Weapons system equipped with state-of-the-art guidance, advanced maneuverability features, says military 
  • Pakistan has taken measures to bolster defense since its four-day brief war with neighbor India in May this year

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy on Tuesday conducted a successful test flight of an indigenously developed anti-ship ballistic missile, saying it was capable of hitting both ground and sea targets with precision, the military’s media wing said. 

The test takes place as Pakistan bolsters its defense and maritime security following its brief four-day conflict with nuclear-armed India in May. Both countries traded drone, missile and artillery strikes before Washington brokered a ceasefire on May 10. 

Pakistan Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf and senior scientists as well as engineers witnessed the flight test, the military said. 

“Pakistan Navy conducted a successful test flight of an indigenously developed ship launched Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement. 

“The weapon system is capable of engaging sea as well as ground targets with high precision.”

The military’s media wing said the weapons system is equipped with state-of-the-art guidance and advanced maneuverability features.

“The successful flight test is a testimony to Pakistan’s technological prowess and Pakistan Navy’s unwavering commitment to safeguard national interests,” the ISPR said. 

Earlier in November, the Pakistan Navy conducted a successful flight test of an indigenously developed ship-launched ballistic missile with a range of 350 kilometers.

In July, the Pakistan Navy launched a locally designed vessel, PNS SAHIWAL, equipped with long-range, semi-automatic guns to enhance operational effectiveness in maritime missions.


Pakistan remittances seen surpassing $40 billion in FY26 as Saudi Arabia leads November inflows

Updated 47 min 3 sec ago
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Pakistan remittances seen surpassing $40 billion in FY26 as Saudi Arabia leads November inflows

  • The country’s November remittances rose 9.4 percent year-on-year to $3.2 billion, official data show
  • Economic experts say rupee stability and higher use of formal channels are driving the upward trend

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s workers’ remittances are expected to exceed the $40 billion mark in the current fiscal year, economic experts said Tuesday, after the country recorded an inflow of $3.2 billion in November, with Saudi Arabia once again emerging as the biggest contributor.

Remittances are a key pillar of Pakistan’s external finances, providing hard currency that supports household consumption, helps narrow the current-account gap and bolsters foreign-exchange reserves. The steady pipeline from Gulf economies, led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, has remained crucial for Pakistan’s balance of payments.

A government statement said monthly remittances in November stood at $3.2 billion, reflecting a 9.4 percent year-on-year increase.

“The growth in remittances means the full-year figure is expected to cross the $40 billion target in fiscal year 2026,” Sana Tawfik, head of research at Arif Habib Limited, told Arab News over the phone.

“There are a couple of factors behind the rise in remittances,” she said. “One of them is the stability of the rupee. In addition, the country is receiving more inflows through formal channels.”

Tawfik said the trend was positive for the current account and expected inflows to remain strong in the second half of the fiscal year, noting that both Muslim festivals of Eid fall in that period, when overseas Pakistanis traditionally send additional money home for family expenses and celebrations.

The official statement said cumulative remittances reached $16.1 billion during July–November, up 9.3 percent from $14.8 billion in the same period last year.

It added that November inflows were mainly sourced from Saudi Arabia ($753 million), the United Arab Emirates ($675 million), the United Kingdom ($481.1 million) and the United States ($277.1 million).

“UAE remittances have regained momentum in recent months, with their share at 21 percent in November 2025 from a low of 18 percent in FY24,” said Muhammad Waqas Ghani, head of research at JS Global Capital Limited. “Dubai in particular has seen a steady pick-up, reflecting improved inflows from Pakistani expatriates owing to some relaxation in emigration policies.”