Pakistan Views

Pakistan successfully test fired a long-range, nuclear-capable ballistic missile Hatf VI-Shaheen II on Saturday, the military said, in the first missile test under a new government installed last month.The missile test was conducted as part of process of validation and technical improvements to consolidate and verify various land based strategic missile system, said ISPR press release.It may be recalled that Hatf VI (Shaheen II) is Pakistan’s longest range ballistic missile system with the range of 2000 kilometers.It is a two stage fuel missile which can carry nuclear and conventional warheads with high accuracy.The test was witnessed by Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, who congratulated the scientists and engineers of Strategic Organizations on achieving an important milestone in Pakistan’s quest for sustaining strategic balance in South Asia.Speaking after the successful test, the prime minister made it clear that Pakistan’s strategy of credible minimum deterrence is fully in place and is a guarantee of peace in the region. He assured that defence needs of the country will remain a high priority with the elected government.He further added that the strategic programme which enjoys complete national consensus would continue to be consolidated and further strengthened in line with the need of national security.The test was also witnessed by the Defence Minister, Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar and Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee, General Tariq Majid besides senior military officers and scientists.In an exclusive message, the President Pervez Musharraf has also congratulated the Strategic Organizations on this outstanding success.