Kathmandu: The Pakistani military announced Saturday that it had successfully conducted a training launch of the Abdali missile system, amid rising tensions with India following a deadly attack in Kashmir that claimed 26 lives, mostly Hindu pilgrims.

The Abdali missile, with a range of up to 450 kilometers, was launched to test the operational capabilities and technical parameters of Pakistan’s military, according to a statement from the army. Details of the launch location were not disclosed.

The launch comes days after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave the Indian military "complete freedom" to respond to the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, which India blames on Pakistan-based militants. Pakistan has denied any involvement, calling for an independent investigation, and warned of possible Indian air strikes.

International Response and Warnings
The escalating rhetoric between the two nuclear-armed nations has drawn international concern:

-China has urged both nations to show restraint.

-The European Union labeled the situation “serious and worrying.”

U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, in an interview with Fox News, called on both sides to avoid a regional conflict. He urged India to exercise caution and Pakistan to control militant groups within its borders.

Border Clashes and Civilian Displacement
The Indian army confirmed exchanging fire with Pakistani troops along the Kashmir border in recent days. The disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir has long been a flashpoint between the two countries, who have fought three wars over it since 1947.

Tensions are also affecting civilians. In the village of Sentho along the Chenab River, about 1,500 residents have reportedly fled amid fears of a broader conflict. Many locals are reluctant to invest in permanent housing, citing the volatile situation. “We cannot make long-term plans,” said village headman Sukhdev Kumar.

Children in the region are reportedly living in fear, especially after the Pahalgam incident. Meanwhile, Indian police continue searching for three suspects tied to the April 22 attack, who have been designated as terrorists by the UN.

Outlook
As military posturing continues, global calls for diplomacy and de-escalation are growing louder. But with both governments trading accusations and reinforcing defenses, the risk of further confrontation remains high.