Pakistan has conducted successful training launches of short-range ballistic missile Hatf-3 Ghaznavi and medium-range ballistic Missile Hatf-4 Shaheen-1. According to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), both missiles can carry conventional as well as nuclear warheads to respective ranges up to 290 km and 650 km.
Testing Operational Readiness
The two separately conducted launches of the missiles were carried out at the conclusion of the annual field training exercises of Army Strategic Force Command, aimed at testing the operational readiness of strategic missile groups equipped with Ghaznavi and Shaheen missile systems.
Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani witnessed the missile tests. General Tariq Majid, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Admiral Noman Bashir, chief of the Naval Staff, Lieutenant General retired Kahlid Ahmed Kidwai, director general of the Strategic Plans Division, and other senior military officials were also present.
Recognizing Pakistan's Status
Addressing the troops in the exercise area, the prime minister congratulated them on displaying a high standard of proficiency in handling and operating the state of the art weapon systems. The prime minister said Pakistan's armed forces are fully capable of safeguarding Pakistan's security against all kinds of aggression.
The prime minister emphasized it is time for the world to recognize Pakistan as a De Jure nuclear power with equal rights and responsibilities. He also demanded that Pakistan be given a nuclear supplier group waiver for civil nuclear energy cooperation.
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