Pak plans missile test, issues no-fly zone in Arabian sea after J&K terror attack

Pakistan has issued a no-fly zone in the Arabian Sea and warned of live fire, with sailors also advised to stay away from the area. The announcement comes as Pakistan prepares to test a new missile amid rising tensions with India following the deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, in which 26 people were killed.

The missile, reported to have a range of 480 kilometers, is expected to be tested between April 24 and 25, according to information shared on social media. Sources say Pakistan’s move reflects fears of possible Indian retaliation after the attack.

Immediately after the Pahalgam incident, Pakistan placed its Air Force on alert, according to sources. Unusual aerial activity was observed, allegedly involving the flight of AWACS aircraft near the Indian border.

While the missile launch is being projected domestically as a show of readiness to respond to any threat by land, sea, or air, sources suggest the timing of the missile test underscores a sense of nervousness and desperation over potential Indian action.

PAHALGAM TERROR ATTACK

On Tuesday afternoon, five to six terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists in the Baisaran meadow, which is around 5 kms from Pahalgam. The meadow – also known as ‘mini Switzerland’ – is accessible only by foot or by horseback. The Pahalgam carnage was one of the deadliest civilian attacks in the Kashmir Valley in recent years.

The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack.

Eyewitnesses said the terrorists emerged from the surrounding pine forests and fired at people picnicking, riding ponies, or eating at food stalls. Most of the victims were tourists, including two foreigners from the UAE and Nepal, and two locals.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called the attack “much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years”.