Pahalgam Terror Attack: Nervous Pakistan Orders Missile Test Theatrics off Karachi Coast, as India Readies Retaliation Plan

New Delhi: Pakistan has issued a notification for conducting a surface-to-surface missile test along its coastline, just a day after India took tough diplomatic steps in response to the deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of more than 25 civilians.

According to news agency ANI, Pakistan's government notified that the missile test will take place from its Karachi coast between April 22 and April 25, within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The notice has been circulated to maritime and aviation authorities to avoid the designated danger zone during this period.

India, meanwhile, is tightening the noose diplomatically and strategically. In a bold move, the Modi government has suspended the 1960 Indus Water Treaty, shut the Attari Integrated Check Post, and cancelled Pakistani access to the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) — a facility that earlier allowed easier travel for diplomats and officials. All SVES visas issued to Pakistani nationals have been scrapped, and they’ve been given 48 hours to leave Indian soil.

READ MORE: WATCH: Pakistan Celebrates With Cake at High Commission in New Delhi After Pahalgam Attack in Kashmir

Diplomatic Staff Cut to Half

India has also capped the strength of diplomatic missions for both countries to 30 personnel each, down from 55. This change will take effect by May 1. This is the second time India has slashed diplomatic ties with Pakistan — the last time was in 2020, after the Pulwama attack fallout.

Terrorists Asked Victims to Identify Religion

The Pahalgam terror attack is being described as the deadliest strike since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. On Tuesday afternoon, around 1:30 pm, six foreign terrorists disguised in Army fatigues stormed the Baisaran meadows near Pahalgam and opened fire on tourists after asking them to recite Kalma.

Survivors revealed that the terrorists singled out victims based on religion, and then fired at point-blank range. Despite security arrangements in place, including checkpoints and patrol teams, the terrorists managed to breach the area and carry out a massacre in one of Kashmir’s most peaceful tourist spots, often called “mini-Switzerland.”

Attack Linked to Lashkar’s Proxy Outfit

Sources have confirmed that the terror group The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy outfit of Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack. India has also found clear cross-border linkages, pointing to Pakistan’s hand in helping these terrorists infiltrate and coordinate the assault.

The Government of India has made it clear that such cowardly attacks will not go unanswered. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Modi and attended by key ministers and security officials, has started rolling out India’s long-term retaliation plan — step by step.

Pakistan Calls Emergency Meeting, Feels Pressure Mounting

A rattled Pakistan, sensing India’s strong intent, called for a National Security Committee meeting on Thursday. As per Pakistani media, such high-level meetings are usually held “when major national security concerns are discussed.”

But instead of accepting its role in supporting terror groups, Pakistan is trying to distract the world with a sudden missile test announcement — a desperate attempt to flex muscles while facing growing international isolation.