ISLAMABAD — Pakistan on Saturday conducted a training launch of a surface-to-surface missile with a range of 450 kilometers, the military announced, as tensions continue to rise with neighboring India following last month’s deadly attack in Kashmir.

The army said the launch was part of efforts to ensure the operational readiness of its strategic forces and to validate the missile’s technical capabilities, including an advanced navigation system and enhanced maneuverability.

President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and senior military officials congratulated the troops, scientists, and engineers involved in the launch.

In a joint statement, they reaffirmed their confidence in Pakistan’s Strategic Forces, emphasizing their role in maintaining "credible minimum deterrence" and safeguarding national security.

The missile test comes amid strained relations between the nuclear-armed rivals. New Delhi has accused Islamabad of involvement in the April 22 attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, citing "cross-border links."

Pakistan has denied the charges and proposed an independent investigation with third-party oversight. — Agencies