ISLAMABAD, 30 November 2006 — Pakistan yesterday conducted its second ballistic missile launch this month, successfully test-firing a nuclear-capable Hatf IV (Shaheen-I) surface-to-surface missile, the military said.
The Inter-Services Public Relations directorate said the missile has a range of 700 kilometers and can carry conventional and nonconventional warheads.
The missile was launched by Pakistan’s Strategic Force Command after the Nov. 16 launch of a Hatf V missile with a range of more than 1,400 kilometers. India and other neighboring countries were informed in advance of the missile launch, which the military command said render the country’s nuclear deterrent complete.
Seizure of General’s Property Ordered
This time a retired army general has become the target of the National Accountability Bureau. A powerful general during Zia-ul-Haq era, Zahid Ali Akbar, was tried in absentia by a Lahore accountability court on charges of embezzlement to the tune of millions of rupees during his appointments in the Water and Power Development Authority and a sports organization.
Lt. Gen. Zahid held key positions in the army. He also held some top civil positions after his retirement from the army. He was charged with misappropriating millions of rupees by the accountability court.
Zahid never appeared before the court during his trial prompting the court to declare him an absconder. During the trial yesterday the judge called for the accused to defend himself, but since he was not present the court ordered confiscation of his properties. Close associates of Zahid say he is living abroad. As a routine practice the NAB will now issue international warrants through the Interpol against the retired general.
Section 144 in Punjab
The Punjab provincial government imposed Section 144 in the province to prevent Jamaat-e-Islami from holding a rally to protest the passage of the women’s bill.
