Pakistan tests fire nuclear-capable ballistic missile

Pakistan on Thursday conducted a successful training launch of Short Range Surface to Surface Ballistic Missile, capable of delivering nuclear and conventional warheads, the military said. The Hatf III (Ghaznavi) has a range of 290 kilometers, an army statement said. The missile was tested at the conclusion of military exercises. The successful launch was the culminating point of the Field Training Exercise of Army Strategic Forces Command which was aimed at testing the operational readiness of a Strategic Missile Group besides upgradation of various capabilities of Weapon Systems, it said. The launch was witnessed by the General Raheel Sharif, Chief of Army Staff and other senior officials. Addressing the participating troops in the exercise area, General Raheel Sharif appreciated the troops on displaying a very high standard of proficiency in handling and operating these strategic weapon systems. He showed confidence over the professional attributes of troops and emphasized to maintain the high standards achieved. He reiterated that Pakistan has configured one of the best command and control systems and Armed Forces of Pakistan are fully capable of safeguarding Pakistan's security against any aggression. The successful test launch has also been warmly appreciated by the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan, who congratulated the participating troops, the scientists and engineers on their outstanding success.