Pakistan test-fired a ballistic missile on Saturday amid escalating tensions with India following last week’s deadly attack on tourists in the disputed Kashmir region.
According to the Pakistani military, the surface-to-surface missile has a range of 450 kilometres.
The launch of the Abdali Weapon System was intended to ensure the “operational readiness of troops and validating key technical parameters,” including the missile’s advanced navigation system and enhanced manoeuvrability, a statement by the military said.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the scientists, engineers, and all those involved in the successful test.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said days earlier that Pakistan had “credible intelligence” suggesting India was planning an imminent attack.
In a statement, Tarar pledged a “very strong” response should Pakistan come under attack from its nuclear-armed neighbour.
On Friday, Pakistan appealed to Gulf allies to help de-escalate tensions with India after the 22 April attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, in which 26 people — mostly Hindus — were killed.
India has accused Pakistan of orchestrating the assault, a claim Islamabad has denied.
The disputed Kashmir region is divided between India and Pakistan, with both countries claiming it in full.
Video editor • Lucy Davalou