Pakistan tests Shaheen-1 missile

COAS terms world’s N-concerns unrealistic

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan on Friday conducted a successful training launch of the Shaheen-1 (Hatf-IV) medium range ballistic missile.

A Strategic Missile Group (SMG) of the Pakistan Army’s Strategic Force Command (ASFC) conducted the launch at the conclusion of the annual field training exercises of a Shaheen-1 Missile Group, said an ISPR press release. The field launch exercise of the ASFC was witnessed by the Chief of the Army Staff Gen Ashfaq Pervez Kayani, senior military officers and scientists.

Addressing the troops in the exercise area, the COAS congratulated them on achieving high standards of training and excellent results. He said that the nation had developed a strong nuclear deterrence capability and expected that the officers and men entrusted with the task of deterring aggression would continue to train hard and maintain professional excellence.

The chief of the Army staff made it clear that Pakistan did not have any aggressive designs against anyone and its nuclear capability was solely for the purpose of deterring all types of aggressions.

Referring to international concerns regarding speculative scenarios, the COAS dismissed such concerns as unrealistic and based on a lack of understanding of Pakistan’s command and control mechanisms.

He said that the Pakistani armed forces were a highly professional, motivated and well-trained force and were capable of safeguarding and securing the nuclear assets against all categories of threat. The nation stood behind the armed forces.

Gen Ashfaq Pervez Kayani stressed that creating irresponsible alarm by certain quarters would be counterproductive. It may be recalled that the Shaheen-1 ballistic missile system, with a range of 700 kilometres, is an operationalised weapon system held by the ASFC and is routinely fired during training exercises by the ASFC troops.

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Aarwaa

Pakistan is ruled by three As - Army, America and Allah.