Barely two days after the Pahalgam massacre that killed 26 tourists, Pakistan has issued a notice for a surface‑to‑surface missile trial in the Arabian Sea, to be conducted 24–25 April within its Exclusive Economic Zone off Karachi. Indian defence agencies are reportedly tracking the launch window closely.
The test alert follows New Delhi’s retaliation for the attack, which it blames on Pakistan‑based militants. Key steps approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, include:
Indus Waters Treaty frozen: India will suspend the 1960 accord “until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably ends support for cross‑border terrorism,” the Foreign Ministry said.
Diplomatic downgrades: All Pakistani defence, naval and air attachés in Delhi have been declared persona non grata and given one week to depart; India will pull its own military advisers from Islamabad.
Visa clampdown: SAARC visa exemptions and special‑entry permits for Pakistani citizens have been cancelled, with holders ordered to leave India within 48 hours.
Border closure: The Attari integrated check‑post has been shut.
An all‑party briefing chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set for Thursday evening to detail further security measures. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri warned that those who orchestrated the Pahalgam killings “will be held accountable.”
