Pakistan conducts training launch of surface-to-surface missile with 450-km range

Pakistan's military on Saturday conducted a training launch of a surface-to-surface missile weapons system, it said in a statement, as tensions with arch-rival India soar.

"Pakistan today conducted a successful training launch of the Abdali Weapon System -- a surface-to-surface missile with a range of 450 kilometres," the military said.

"The launch was aimed at ensuring the operational readiness of troops and validating key technical parameters, including the missile's advanced navigation system and enhanced manoeuvrability features."

India has blamed Pakistan for backing a shooting that killed 26 civilians on the Indian side of the disputed Kashmir territory.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given his military "full operational freedom" to respond while Pakistan this week warned of an imminent strike by its neighbour.

The two nuclear-armed countries have exchanged gunfire for nine consecutive nights along the militarised Line of Control, the de facto border, according to Indian defence sources.

Islamabad has denied any involvement in the April 22 attack.

Agence France-Presse