Pakistan on Tuesday conducted a successful test-fire of a nuclear-capable ballistic missile. The missile, Shaheen-1A, was fired from an undisclosed location and ended in the Arabian Sea.
Shaheen-1A has a missile range of 900 km, and brings many Indian cities in Pakistan's range, reported the Hindu.
Last week, Pakistan had test-fired the medium-range Shaheen III ballistic missile, which could carry nuclear warheads to a range of 2,750 km. The main aim of the test was to re-validate various designs and parameters of the weapon system, said Dawn.
The launch was witnessed by Pakistan Strategic forces, senior officers of the Strategic plans division, engineers and scientists.
Congratulating scientists and engineers for the successful launch, Mazhar Jamil, Director General Strategic Plans division said, "Shaheen-1A with its sophisticated and advanced guidance system makes it a highly accurate missile system," IANS reported.
Jamil also reiterated a fact that Pakistan's strategic capabilities were based on credible Minimum deterrence and peaceful coexistence in the region, according to the Hindu.
The successful test launch also received appreciation and praise from Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President Mamnoon Hussain for achieving another milestone achievement, the Hindu reported.
Pakistan is reportedly one of the nine countries in the world and amongst the first Muslim powers to possess nuclear weapons. In 1972, Pakistan began developing nuclear weapons under the then prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.
