Pakistan test-fires ballistic missile Ghaznavi
Pakistan Times Wire Service

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Monday carried out a successful test fire of its indigenously developed short range surface to surface ballistic missile Hatf-III Ghaznavi.

This was third test of Ghaznavi missile, which, like other available missiles on Pakistan's strategic inventory, is capable of carrying nuclear and other types of warheads accurately up to a range of 290 kilometers.

The test was a part of a series of tests planned to be conducted in order to verify certain parameters and to further refine different subsystems of the missile. The flight data collected indicates that all the design parameters have been successfully validated.

It may be recalled that Ghaznavi missiles have already been inducted in the Army's Strategic Command. Pakistan's nuclear missiles programme will maintain the pace of development and tests will continue to be conducted as per technical needs.

Prior notification of this test had been given to neighbouring countries. The President and Prime Minister have congratulated the team of officers and men on their outstanding successes.

Nuclear, missile programs to be improved: Maj Gen Sultan

Pakistan would further develop its nuclear and missile programmes, Director General, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), Major General Shaukat Sultan said reiterating country's stance on Monday.

He was commenting on the recent test fire of short range surface-to-surface ballistic missile Hatf-III Ghaznavi.

Talking to a private television, the DG ISPR said "Today's test is part of the tests which we conduct to improve different designed parameters and technical capabilities of our missiles." He said, Ghaznavi missile has already been included in the Strategic Command of Pakistan Army.

Shaukat Sultan said, the tested missile is fully capable of carrying all types of warheads including nuclear, upto a range of 290 Kms. "Whenever needed, the tests would be carried out to meet technical requirements and improve the designed parameters." 

To a question about more tests of this series, the DG ISPR said "I cannot give the exact schedule but, the tests would continue."●