Skip to main content

Followers

Social Bar

Discovery of 178-Year-Old Baptist Antislavery Document Elates Faith Leaders

The handwritten resolution, signed by 116 Baptist ministers from Massachusetts who called slavery “repugnant,” was thought to have been lost. from NYT > Top Stories https://ift.tt/NjwcP6b

Pakistan Test Fires Ballistic Missile Amid Escalating Tensions with India

Pakistan Test Fires Ballistic Missile Amid Escalating Tensions with India







By Munir Ahmed – Associated Press
ISLAMABAD, May 4, 2025 — Pakistan test-fired a surface-to-surface ballistic missile Saturday, as tensions with neighboring India soared in the wake of a deadly attack on tourists in the disputed Kashmir region last month.

According to the Pakistani military, the missile — part of the Abdali Weapon System — has a range of 450 kilometers (about 280 miles) and features advanced navigation and maneuverability capabilities. The launch was intended to verify operational readiness and validate key technical parameters, the statement said.

The test comes just weeks after the April 22 massacre in Pahalgam, a popular tourist town in Indian-controlled Kashmir, which left 26 people dead. India has blamed Pakistan for the attack — an accusation Islamabad has firmly denied.

Both President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the military on the successful launch. Missiles in such tests are typically launched into remote desert areas or the Arabian Sea, away from the India-Pakistan border.

Security analyst Syed Muhammad Ali, based in Islamabad, noted the missile was named after a Muslim conqueror of India, calling it a “symbolic move with historical undertones.” He added, “The timing of this launch is critical given the current geopolitical climate. It’s a strategic message to India.”

The missile launch follows recent military exercises by India as well. On April 27, the Indian navy conducted successful anti-ship missile firings, underscoring their offensive readiness.

Ashok Malik, a former Indian foreign policy adviser, said national anger over the Pahalgam attack remains high. “There’s strong domestic pressure for a response,” he said. “While a full-scale war is unlikely, the government has political space for a calibrated military reaction.”

In recent days, the already-tense situation has escalated sharply. India expelled Pakistani diplomats, closed airspace to Pakistani flights, and banned all direct or indirect imports from Pakistan. It also barred Pakistani ships from docking in Indian ports.

Meanwhile, cross-border violence has intensified along the Line of Control (LoC) — the de facto border in Kashmir. India’s military reported Pakistani troops fired at Indian positions for the ninth consecutive night. Indian forces, they said, responded “promptly and proportionately.” Pakistan has not confirmed the exchange, and the incident could not be independently verified.

Kashmir remains at the heart of the two countries’ rivalry. Claimed in full by both nations but divided between them, the region has been the flashpoint for two of their three wars.

At the Wagah border crossing, where a daily flag-lowering ceremony draws patriotic crowds on both sides, emotions ran high on Saturday.

“No other event stirs such patriotism in me,” said Shoaib-ur-Rehman, who attended the ceremony. “I don’t want war, but if it happens, I will stand with our soldiers.”

Another spectator, Sundas Batool, echoed national sentiment: “India must provide evidence before making accusations. But if they want to see our spirit — look no further. We are ready for anything.”


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Technology for Humans: Empowering, Connecting, and Transforming Lives

Technology for Humans: Empowering, Connecting, and Transforming Lives Introduction Technology is deeply integrated into every aspect of modern human life. From communication and healthcare to transportation and education, it plays a vital role in how we live, work, and interact with the world. As technology evolves, so does its influence on human progress. This article explores how technology serves humanity, the opportunities it creates, and the challenges it presents. 1. Communication Revolution Technology has transformed how humans communicate. Smartphones, social media, video conferencing, and instant messaging have made it easier to stay connected across the globe. Platforms like Zoom and WhatsApp allow families, friends, and businesses to connect in real time, regardless of location. Before the internet, sending a letter could take days or weeks. Today, a message can reach the other side of the world in seconds. Language barriers are also shrinking with the help of transla...

Quinoa and Lentil Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

  Quinoa and Lentil Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing If you're searching for a hearty, protein-packed salad that’s as satisfying as it is nutritious, look no further than this Quinoa and Lentil Salad with Avocado Dressing . Bursting with fresh vegetables and herbs, and tossed in a creamy, zesty avocado dressing, this Mediterranean-inspired dish makes a perfect lunch or light dinner. Whether you're following a plant-based diet, meal-prepping for the week, or just want something fresh and filling, this salad ticks all the boxes—it's easy to make, full of flavor, and balanced in nutrition. Why You'll Love This Salad Packed with Plant Protein: Lentils and quinoa combine to offer a complete protein source. Nutrient-Dense: With fresh veggies, healthy fats, and whole grains, it's a powerhouse of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. No Cooking Required (If Pre-cooked): Use leftover quinoa and lentils to throw this together in...