RAWALPINDI, Saturday, May 3, 2025 (WNP): Pakistan on Saturday successfully conducted a training launch of the Abdali Weapon System—a short-range surface-to-surface missile with a range of 450 kilometers—as part of Exercise INDUS, marking a major milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to enhance its strategic deterrence and operational readiness.

According to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), the launch was aimed at validating the operational preparedness of troops and testing key technical features of the missile system, including its advanced navigation technology and improved manoeuvrability. The training launch was witnessed by the Commander of the Army Strategic Forces Command, senior officials from the Strategic Plans Division, and top scientists and engineers from Pakistan’s strategic institutions.

The successful test was met with nationwide praise, with the President, Prime Minister, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, and Services Chiefs congratulating all personnel involved in the development and execution of the launch. They expressed full confidence in Pakistan’s Strategic Forces, reaffirming their readiness to defend the country’s sovereignty and maintain credible minimum deterrence.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi called the launch a “remarkable achievement” in Pakistan’s defense trajectory, praising the engineers and scientists for their unmatched expertise in missile technology. “This milestone is a proud reflection of our growing indigenous capabilities,” he stated, adding that such advancements further reinforce the nation’s strategic security framework.

Senate Chairman Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani also hailed the successful test as a proud moment for the nation. “This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty and enhancing defense capabilities,” he said. Gilani commended the military and scientific community for their dedication and underscored that the Abdali missile marks a significant leap in Pakistan’s self-reliance in defense technology.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari extended his congratulations to the armed forces, engineers, and scientists, terming the test a symbol of Pakistan’s robust defense capacity. “We salute the brave defenders of our homeland,” he said in a statement, adding that the country’s missile and nuclear programs—initiated by Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and advanced by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto—form the foundation of Pakistan’s invincible defense doctrine.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar echoed similar sentiments, offering his congratulations via a post on X (formerly Twitter). “Heartfelt congratulations to the scientists, armed forces, and the nation on the successful launch of the Abdali Weapon System. May Allah bless Pakistan with strength, unity, and mercy,” he wrote.

National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq also lauded the achievement, saying the successful launch had further fortified the country’s defense architecture. “The dedication of our armed forces, scientists, and engineers continues to keep Pakistan’s defense in safe hands,” he said, describing them as national heroes and a source of immense pride for the nation.

The Abdali missile test, conducted under the strategic umbrella of Exercise INDUS, reaffirms Pakistan’s resolve to modernize its defense capabilities and maintain regional peace through strength and credible deterrence.