Pakistan conducts Abdali surface-surface missile test in wake of heightened tensions with India
The test was part of the Pakistan Armed Forces' Indus drill, to ensure operational readiness in wake of any attack.
'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 manoeuverability features,' said the military's official media-wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a press release, Dawn reports.
It noted that the launch was a part of 'Ex Indus' and was witnessed by the commander of the Army Strategic Forces Command (AFSC), senior officials from the Strategic Plans Division and the AFSC, as well as scientists and engineers from Pakistan's strategic organisations.
President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza and the services chiefs extended ntheir congratulations to the participating troops, scientists, and engineers, as per the ISPR statement.
'They expressed complete confidence in the operational preparedness and technical proficiency of Pakistan's Strategic Forces to ensure credible minimum deterrence and safeguard national security against any aggression,' the statement added.
Pakistan has engaged in panic-driven-reckless aggression after Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave the Indian military complete operational freedom to take retaliatory steps in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were gunned down in a brutal assault overseen by handlers in Pakistan.
Apart from conducting frequent military cross-fire, Islamabad has hurriedly intensified its naval drills in the Arabian Sea, conducting more missile tests, and has frequent warnings of 'nuclear retaliation' against New Delhi in case of any attack, attempting to maintain a tough posture.
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