Pakistan announces a surface-to-surface missile test near Karachi after India’s decisive diplomatic moves following a deadly attack.

Pakistan Plans Missile Test Amid Rising India-Pakistan Tensions

In a move that has sent ripples across South Asia, Pakistan has announced plans for a surface-to-surface missile test along its Karachi coastline, scheduled for April 24-25. The development, first reported by ANI citing government sources, comes at a time of heightened diplomatic strain between India and Pakistan following a brutal terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

Indian intelligence agencies are closely monitoring the situation, particularly given the timing of Pakistan’s missile notification. According to Indian officials, the attack—claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba group—was an attempt to destabilize the region, just as Kashmir showed signs of steady political and economic progress after recent elections.

India Responds Swiftly With Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions

In an assertive response, India has moved swiftly to recalibrate its relations with Pakistan. Among the significant actions, India suspended the historic 1960 Indus Water Treaty, an agreement long seen as a rare symbol of cooperation between the two nations.

Additionally, India shut down the Integrated Check Post at Attari, effectively halting cross-border movement. Travel privileges under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) were also revoked, with Pakistani nationals given a 48-hour deadline to exit India if traveling under the scheme. Previously issued visas stand cancelled, signaling India’s uncompromising stance on cross-border terrorism.

To further underscore the shift in ties, India announced that by May 1, both countries must reduce their diplomatic missions to a mere 30 personnel, down from the current 55. Analysts suggest these steps mark one of the most significant downgrades in bilateral relations since the fallout after the Pulwama terror attack in 2019.

The Pahalgam Attack: A Tragic Catalyst

The diplomatic rupture follows one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in Jammu and Kashmir in recent years. On a bright afternoon in Baisaran meadow—a postcard-perfect destination near Pahalgam—terrorists struck mercilessly. Survivors recount how six armed militants, disguised in Indian Army uniforms, forced tourists to identify themselves by name and religious verses before opening fire at point-blank range.

The assault claimed at least 28 lives, most of them tourists, leaving dozens more injured. Witness accounts reveal a chilling pattern, suggesting that the attackers specifically targeted non-Muslim victims. Despite a robust security presence in the region, the attackers exploited gaps to unleash violence, highlighting persistent security challenges in the volatile area.

This attack, Indian officials argue, was not just an act of terrorism but a direct attempt to undermine the progress made in Kashmir since the 2019 abrogation of Article 370, which revoked the region’s special status. It also brings into sharp focus the enduring threat posed by Pakistan-based terror outfits operating across the Line of Control.

Pakistan’s Missile Test: A Show of Defiance?

While Pakistan has not officially linked its planned missile test to the recent diplomatic tensions, the timing is difficult to ignore. Experts suggest that Islamabad may be using the missile exercise to project strength internally and externally, signaling resilience in the face of India’s firm countermeasures.

Thursday’s emergency meeting of Pakistan’s National Security Committee further highlights the gravity of the situation. Officials described the session as critical, a platform typically reserved for issues that strike at the heart of national security.

Historically, missile tests have often coincided with diplomatic crises in South Asia, serving as both deterrence and a means of domestic political consolidation. However, analysts warn that such moves, rather than easing tensions, risk sparking a dangerous escalation if not carefully managed.

Navigating an Uncertain Road Ahead

As India and Pakistan recalibrate their diplomatic, economic, and military strategies, the broader South Asian region watches anxiously. The possibility of further provocations, whether through state or non-state actors, looms large.

According to a 2024 report from the South Asia Terrorism Portal, cross-border incidents have seen a 17% uptick compared to the previous year, underscoring the fragile peace. Meanwhile, strategic experts emphasize the need for sustained international diplomatic engagement to prevent the crisis from spiraling out of control.

For now, the world will be watching the Karachi coastline later this week—not just for a missile test, but for the deeper geopolitical tremors it may herald.

Disclaimer:
This article is based on publicly available reports and official statements at the time of writing. Geopolitical developments are fluid and subject to rapid change. Readers are advised to consult multiple sources for the latest updates.

source : The Times of India