Pakistan
Carries out Successful Ballistic Missile Test
Shaheen
is the most efficient and accurate missile system in Pakistan
By
Asif Farooqi, IOL South Asia Correspondent
ISLAMABAD, October 4
(IslamOnline) – Amid rising military tensions with archrival India,
Pakistan announced Friday, October 4, successful testing of a
medium-range ballistic missile, which is also capable of carrying a
nuclear warhead up to 700 kilometers.
Shaheen-I, the missile test fired
at a firing range near Karachi, is the fourth in the series of an
indigenously built Hataf missiles.
Shaheen is the most efficient and
accurate missile system in Pakistan which runs on solid fuel and is
supersonic. Its penetration capabilities are far more than any other
missile system in the region as its low flight helps it avoid radar
detection, senior military experts believe.
"Prior notification was
given to neighbors as well as some friendly countries," a handout
issued by the Inter Services Public Relations said about the testing of
the missile.
The
military sources do not attach too much political significance to the
missile, saying Friday’s testing was more of a technical requirement
than a political or an strategic tactic.
In May this year when tensions
with India were at its peak, Pakistan conducted a series of missile
testes, some of which were only meant to deter India from any
misadventure.
“This time around, it’s only
technical requirements, no political gains,” the sources said.
