In the wake of a devastating incident in Kashmir that claimed the lives of 26 tourists, Pakistan just carried out its second missile test, escalating tensions with India, two days after testing the Abdali Weapon System, a ballistic missile with a 450-kilometer range, Pakistan military claimed on May 5, 2025, that a 120-kilometer surface-to-surface missile had been successfully launched, amid concerns of a military escalation with India, Pakistan is attempting to certify advanced missile capabilities and show operational preparedness through these tests.
The missile launches follow the attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, on April 22, which India attributes to militants supported by Pakistan, Islamabad claims that the attack might have been a false flag operation and denies any involvement, calling the charges baseless and requesting solid proof. India has rejected Pakistan's proposal for an impartial investigation.
Cross-border tensions have risen, with frequent exchanges of gunfire along the Line of Control, leading residents on both sides to seek shelter, with both nations on high alert and India giving its military complete operational authority to react to threats, the situation is still unstable. Concerns of a wider conflict have increased as a result of Pakistan's government's threat to retaliate violently against any Indian aggression.
In an effort to mediate the crisis, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Pakistan on May 5, marking the first international diplomatic engagement since the escalation, Iran expressed willingness to assist in calming tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, emphasizing their shared regional interests and historical ties, Araghchi visit included meetings with Pakistani leaders such as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. But India has been cautious about Iranian mediation, with some Indian officials opposing external involvement in the dispute.
With both nations downgrading diplomatic ties, closing border crossings, and imposing trade restrictions, the geopolitical situation has become more precarious. India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty in response to Pakistan's alleged support for terrorism, a move that Pakistan denounces as a breach of international law and a possible act of war.
The missile launches follow the attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, on April 22, which India attributes to militants supported by Pakistan, Islamabad claims that the attack might have been a false flag operation and denies any involvement, calling the charges baseless and requesting solid proof. India has rejected Pakistan's proposal for an impartial investigation.
Cross-border tensions have risen, with frequent exchanges of gunfire along the Line of Control, leading residents on both sides to seek shelter, with both nations on high alert and India giving its military complete operational authority to react to threats, the situation is still unstable. Concerns of a wider conflict have increased as a result of Pakistan's government's threat to retaliate violently against any Indian aggression.
In an effort to mediate the crisis, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Pakistan on May 5, marking the first international diplomatic engagement since the escalation, Iran expressed willingness to assist in calming tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, emphasizing their shared regional interests and historical ties, Araghchi visit included meetings with Pakistani leaders such as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. But India has been cautious about Iranian mediation, with some Indian officials opposing external involvement in the dispute.
With both nations downgrading diplomatic ties, closing border crossings, and imposing trade restrictions, the geopolitical situation has become more precarious. India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty in response to Pakistan's alleged support for terrorism, a move that Pakistan denounces as a breach of international law and a possible act of war.
