Pakistan’s military announced the successful test launch of a ballistic missile on Saturday, a move that comes amid growing tensions with India following a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir last month.

The missile, part of the Abdali Weapon System, is a surface-to-surface projectile with a range of 450 kilometers. According to the military’s statement, the launch aimed to “ensure operational readiness of troops and validate key technical parameters,” including the weapon’s advanced navigation capabilities and improved manoeuvrability.

The test was witnessed by senior military officials, and both President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the scientists and engineers behind the successful trial, hailing it as a demonstration of the country’s strategic preparedness.

The launch follows heightened cross-border tensions after an attack on April 22 in Indian-administered Kashmir that left 26 people dead, mostly Hindu pilgrims. India has blamed Pakistan for orchestrating the assault, an allegation Islamabad has categorically denied.

In the days leading up to the missile test, Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar claimed that the government had received “credible intelligence” suggesting India was planning a military strike. Tarar warned that Pakistan would respond “very strongly” if it came under attack from its nuclear-armed neighbor.

As diplomatic channels remain strained, Pakistan has turned to its Gulf allies in a bid to de-escalate the situation. On Friday, officials in Islamabad reportedly reached out to regional partners seeking support to reduce hostilities with New Delhi.

The missile launch, while presented as a routine military drill, is being interpreted by regional observers as a clear message of deterrence during a period of mounting geopolitical uncertainty.

The Kashmir region remains a longstanding flashpoint in South Asia. Divided between India and Pakistan since 1947, both countries claim the territory in its entirety. The area has been the source of three wars and numerous skirmishes, with recent years marked by increased militarization and political unrest.

Neither India nor Pakistan has issued a formal statement addressing the latest missile test, though analysts warn that any miscalculation in the current climate could risk further escalation between the two nuclear powers.

Stargazers across the globe are in for a treat this week as the Eta Aquarid meteor shower, one of the most anticipated celestial events of the year, reaches its peak on Tuesday morning.

The Eta Aquarids, which originate from debris left by the famous Halley’s Comet, are expected to produce up to 15 meteors per hour in the Northern Hemisphere under optimal viewing conditions. However, observers in the Southern Hemisphere are set to enjoy a more spectacular show, with up to 50 meteors per hour forecast, according to the International Meteor Organization.

“This is a reminder that Earth is crossing the path of the most famous comet,” said Shauna Edson from the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. NASA’s meteor expert Bill Cooke described the Eta Aquarids as “pretty fast meteors,” often leaving behind glowing trails of ionized gas, known as meteor trains, rather than bright fireballs.

The meteor shower takes its name from the Aquarius constellation, which is more prominently visible in southern skies. As a result, those living in southern regions will have the clearest view. However, for those in Europe and North America, visibility is still possible, particularly in the early hours before dawn.

The Eta Aquarids are caused by Earth passing through the dusty trail of Halley’s Comet, which only appears in the inner solar system once every 76 years. When this debris enters Earth’s atmosphere at high speed, it burns up, creating the streaks of light commonly referred to as “shooting stars.”

Astronomers advise that no special equipment is needed to enjoy the meteor shower. Instead, they recommend finding a dark spot away from city lights, allowing time for your eyes to adjust to the darkness, and avoiding distractions like phone screens. The best viewing window is in the early morning, before the sky brightens.

However, this year’s display may be partially obscured by a nearly two-thirds full Moon, which could reduce visibility due to its brightness.

The Eta Aquarid shower will remain active until May 28, though the peak display is expected on the morning of April 30. The next major meteor event, the Southern Delta Aquarids, will occur in late July.

Whether watching from the Southern Hemisphere or catching glimpses in the north, skygazers are encouraged to look up and enjoy one of nature’s most captivating light shows.