On Wednesday, a missile test conducted by Pakistan’s Army landed alarmingly close to populated areas in the Dera Bugti district of Balochistan. Videos of the aftermath rapidly surfaced on social media, evidencing the missile’s proximity to residential zones.
The missile, identified as part of Pakistan’s “Ababeel” weapon system, reportedly landed near the Phelawagh area in a populated region of Dera Bugti, approximately 500 feet away from residential areas. This proximity underscores the challenges and risks inherent in such tests.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the missile originated from Dera Ghazi Khan, and landed in the Phelawagh’s Sham Khilchaas area between Rajanpur and Dera Bugti. Fortunately, no casualties were reported from the event.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan’s military’s media wing, while confirming the successful test of their “Ababeel” weapon system, noted that the test’s primary objectives were to bolster deterrence against potential adversaries and to evaluate the missile’s various design and technical parameters.
Notably, in the lead-up to this event, the army had previously told inhabitants of the nearby Tamman Gorshani region to evacuate due to anticipated missile tests. This directive was met with hesitation, as many locals voiced concerns about potential displacement from their ancestral lands. These concerns were heightened by alleged threats from army officials, warning locals of potential consequences should they choose to stay.
This is not the first time the region has witnessed such tests. In 2018, missile tests in Tamman Gorshani reportedly caused significant financial hardships for locals, with subsequent claims of health issues due to the spread of infectious diseases.
The latest missile test has further amplified concerns among Baloch nationalist groups. They contend that Balochistan is recurrently used as a testing site, drawing parallels with Pakistan’s nuclear tests in Chagai over two decades ago – the impacts of which, they assert, are still affecting locals.