ISLAMABAD — Defence Minister Khawaja Asif avoided confirming or denying reports about Pakistan conducting a hypersonic ballistic missile test, saying such matters should not be discussed publicly.
“Now don’t ask all these questions. Ask such things in private,” Asif remarked during an interview on Samaa TV’s show Mere Sawal on Friday when asked about the alleged missile test. The question followed widespread speculation sparked by a rare lenticular cloud formation seen over Quetta earlier this week.
Read More: Russia tests nuclear-powered missile with ‘unlimited range’
The cloud, observed over the Koh-i-Murdar region in the early hours of Tuesday, triggered a wave of social media rumours suggesting it was linked to a secret military test. However, the Pakistan Meteorological Department clarified that the sight was a natural atmospheric event known as a lenticular cloud, which persisted for about 20 minutes before sunrise.
According to the UK Met Office, lenticular clouds form when stable air flows over mountains, creating a lens-like shape often mistaken for unidentified flying objects (UFOs). The phenomenon’s striking appearance has led to frequent confusion worldwide, with Tuesday’s event in Quetta becoming the latest example of such speculation.
Read More: Pakistan successfully tests indigenous Fatah-4 cruise missile