RAWALPINDI: In a demonstration of operational readiness, Pakistan on Saturday conducted a successful training launch of the Abdali Weapon System— a surface-to-surface missile with a range of 450 kilometres as part of Exercise INDUS.
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 maneuverability features, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a statement said.
The training launch was witnessed by the Commander Army Strategic Forces Command, senior officials from the Strategic Plans Division, Army Strategic Forces Command, as well as scientists and engineers from the strategic organisations. The president, the prime minister, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, and the services chiefs extended their congratulations to the participating troops, scientists and engineers. 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 Senate chairman, National Assembly speaker and interior minister have also congratulated participating troops, scientists and engineers over the successful launch of the Abdali Weapon System.
Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari extended congratulations to the entire nation and paid tribute to the engineers and scientists associated with the project on the successful test of Abdali. “The PPP has always stood for a strong and secure Pakistan, the nuclear programme initiated by Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and the gift of missile technology by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto form the foundation of our invincible national security,” he said in a statement.
Bilawal hailed the successful test as a testament to Pakistan’s growing defence capabilities and the unwavering professionalism of its armed forces and said: “We salute the brave defenders of our homeland.” He said that Pakistan seeks peace, but peace cannot come at the cost of our sovereignty and dignity. Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, highlighted the successful test of Abdali missile. He stated that the successful launch reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining a credible defence posture in the region. Addressing a public gathering in Faisalabad, Rana Sanaullah said the Abdali missile has the potential to deliver a decisive response to any Indian aggression. He said that Pakistan has successfully conducted the test of its Abdali missile which is fully capable of carrying nuclear warheads. He termed the missile test a significant milestone in Pakistan’s defence capabilities and issued a strict warning to India. Any act of hostility from Indian forces would be met with a full-scale response, he added. He said that Pakistan’s missile technology surpasses the technology of many developed nations. He also reminded India about past defence achievements of Pakistan and said, “We do not seek war or wish to initiate conflict, but if India challenges our sovereignty, our armed forces and the entire nation are ready to defend every inch of the motherland,” he stated. He also praised Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir and termed him a “true believer” and a “devout Muslim” who is always prepared to sacrifice for national integrity. Rana Sanaullah urged the public to remain united against enemies of Pakistan particularly Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said that Modi is hatching conspiracies against independence, security, and economy of Pakistan. He said that Modi government is actively working to sabotage Pakistan’s economic recovery by attempting to obstruct IMF agreements and block financial aid. Referring to the recent Pahalgam incident, Rana Sanaullah criticised India for using such events to justify oppression in Kashmir. But it should realise that Kashmiris will one day achieve their right to self-determination and freedom, he added. He said that Pakistan is moving in the right direction and it will surely emerge as a successful and prosperous nation very soon.
Meanwhile, talking to a private TV channel, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that we cannot say that the threat from India has diminished, adding that everyone in India knows what kind of capability Pakistan possesses.
He stated that major countries are making efforts to ensure that the Pakistan-India conflict does not escalate, and that representatives from both countries remain in contact. Regarding JD Vance’s remarks, he noted that such views are not reflected in the statements of US State Department, while the White House spokesperson has urged restraint. The defence minister said that Pakistan’s economic indicators have improved over the past year, and India is staging a drama to sabotage Pakistan’s economic progress. The world has now realised that India is orchestrating false-flag operations to create a pretext, much like the staged police encounters in Pakistan.
Khawaja Asif said that if Pakistan had not offered an investigation, the world might have issued aggressive statements against it. No diplomatic channels have suggested giving India a “face-saving” exit. Instead, India is approaching the IMF and other financial institutions in an attempt to undermine Pakistan’s economic stability. Modi is trying to recover from the loss of his popularity. Responding to a question, the defence minister said that mediation can be considered later, but first, the truth behind the Pahalgam incident must be clarified. He questioned whether Modi himself staged the Pahalgam drama. He stated that India has failed to provide any evidence against Pakistan regarding the Pahalgam attack. If India is truthful, why did it block Pakistani media channels and politicians’ accounts? Regarding the Indus Waters Treaty, he said that contact will be made with the World Bank in the coming days.
Meanwhile, India banned the import of goods coming from or transiting via Pakistan and barred Pakistani ships as tensions rose between the nuclear-armed neighbours. It also suspended postal exchanges between the two countries. India’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade said in a notification that the ban would take effect immediately, a British wire service reported. “This restriction is imposed in the interest of national security and public policy,” it said. India said Pakistani-flagged ships would not be allowed to visit any Indian port, and Indian flagged-ships would not visit any ports in Pakistan. “This order is issued to ensure safety of Indian assets, cargo and connected infrastructure, in public interest and for interest of Indian shipping,” the Directorate General of Shipping said in a statement. Trade between the two nations has dwindled over the last few years. Meanwhile, Pakistan has also closed its ports to Indian-flagged ships. The Ministry of Ports and Shipping has issued an order in this regard.
The shipping order states that in view of Pakistan’s maritime sovereignty, in the context of recent developments of the maritime situation in neighboring countries, it has been decided to close Pakistan ports to Indian-flagged ships.
In the interest of national security and economic interests, it has been decided that no Indian flag carrier will be allowed to enter Pakistani ports. Pakistan-flagged ships will also not go to Indian ports. Any exemptions will be decided on a case-to-case basis after review.