In a move that has sent shockwaves through the region, Pakistan on Thursday issued a maritime advisory to conduct a surface-to-surface missile test off its Karachi coast, scheduled between April 24 and 25 within its Exclusive Economic Zone. Indian defence sources have confirmed close monitoring of the situation amid rising tensions post the Pahalgam terror attack.

The missile notification comes just days after India launched strong diplomatic countermeasures following the brutal attack in Jammu and Kashmir that claimed 28 civilian lives, many of them tourists. Militants, disguised in Army attire, carried out the targeted killings in the once-tranquil Baisaran meadow, asking victims to prove their identity by reciting Islamic verses.

With The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar-e-Taiba proxy, claiming responsibility, India swiftly acted. New Delhi suspended the historic Indus Water Treaty, halted cross-border movement at the Attari check post, and revoked SAARC visa privileges for Pakistani nationals, ordering those already in India to leave within 48 hours.

Further tightening of ties followed, with diplomatic staff limits slashed to 30 on each side—marking the sharpest downgrade since 2020. India framed the attack as an attempt to derail peace and progress in Jammu and Kashmir, especially after peaceful elections in the region.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s top security officials convened an emergency meeting, warning India of “dire consequences” should any retaliatory actions be taken. Military activity has reportedly surged along the border, prompting fears of further escalation.