Pakistan tests intermediate range of ballistic missile

RAWALPINDI -- Pakistan on Monday conducted a test launch of an intermediate range of ballistic missile which is capable of carrying nuclear and conventional warheads to a range of 900 kilometers, the military said.

The successful launch of "Shaheen 1A (Hatf IV)" was aimed at re- validating various design and technical parameters of the weapon system, an army statement said.

Shaheen-1A with its highly accurate and indigenously developed guidance system is amongst the most accurate Missile System, it said.

It was the second test of nuclear-capable missile in less than a week.

Pakistan on Thursday conducted a successful training launch of a nuclear-capable ballistic missile "Shaheen-II (Hatf-VI)" capable of carrying nuclear and conventional warheads to a range of 1,500 kilometers.

President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif appreciated the successful test and congratulated the participating troops, the scientists and engineers on their outstanding achievement.

Pakistan has a series of missiles and almost all can reach India. Similarly Indian missiles can also land any area in Pakistan.

The country's Naval Chief Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah, who witnessed the test along with other senior defence officials, reiterated Pakistan's desire for peaceful co-existence in the region, the statement said.

He congratulated the scientists and engineers for their dedication, professionalism and commitment towards achieving Pakistan's Full Spectrum Credible Minimum Deterrence Capability.

The Naval Chief also expressed his full confidence over the Pakistan Armed Forces' capability to "safeguard security of the motherland against any aggression."