Pakistan tests new missile in a 'warning shot' to India

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RAWALPINDI:

Pakistan has conducted a successful training launch of the Abdali Weapon System - a surface-to-surface missile with a range of 450 kilometres as part of Ex INDUS, the Inter-Services Public Relations said on Saturday.

"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," the military's media affairs wing noted in a statement.

It stated that the training launch was witnessed by the commander Army Strategic Forces Command (ASFC), senior officials from the Strategic Plans Division and the ASFC, as well as scientists and engineers from Pakistan's strategic organisations.

Analysts told AFP the missile launch was a warning shot. "It clearly indicates that we have resources to counter India. This is not a message only for India but the rest of the world that we are well-prepared," said Hasan Askari Rizvi, a military analyst.

President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza and the services chiefs extended their congratulations to the participating troops, scientists, and engineers, the military's media affairs wing said.

"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.