ISLAMABAD, 30 April 2006 — Pakistan yesterday test- fired a nuclear-capable, surface-to-surface ballistic missile with a range of 2,000 km.
Pakistan and India, which stunned the world with tit-for-tat nuclear tests in 1988, embarked on a peace process just over two years ago after going to the brink of a fourth war in mid-2002.
But Pakistan is concerned over recent US promises of high-tech aid for rival India, fearing it could help New Delhi build its defense capability.
“Pakistan today carried out a successful test-fire of its long-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile Hatf VI (Shaheen II) with outstanding results,” Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations said.
The Hatf VI is a two-stage solid fuel missile, which can carry nuclear and conventional warheads with high accuracy, the statement said. An advanced version has a potential range of 2,500 km.
Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz witnessed the test, which took place at an undisclosed location. “Pakistan’s strategy of credible minimum deterrence is fully in place and is a guarantee of peace in the region,” he was quoted as saying.
“We will continue to pursue vigorously our security and energy needs from all sources including nuclear,” Aziz said.
Nuclear Scientist Released
Meanwhile, the government released a scientist who was detained in November 2003 on charges of helping his chief Abdul Qadeer Khan in proliferating nuclear equipment and know-how to Libya, North Korea and Iran, news reports said yesterday.
Farooq Ahmed returned home late Thursday after 30 months of “debriefing,” his son Asim Farooq told English language “Daily Times.”
