Associated Press of Pakistan
News Summary
25- 05-2002
Pakistan successfully test fires Ghauri SSM
ISLAMABAD, May 25, (APP): Pakistan today carried out a successful test
fire of its indigenously developed medium range surface to surface
ballistic missile Hatf-V (Ghauri).
According to Inter Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR), this
was the third test of the Ghauri missile system.
According to the data collected from the test, all design parameters
have been successfully validated. The Ghauri SSM can carry its warheads
with great accuracy.
The successful flight test has reconfirmed the effectiveness and
technical excellence of Pakistan's indigenous missile technology as well
as the first rate professionalism and dedication of its scientists and
engineers.
The President of Pakistan General Pervez Musharraf has congratulated the
scientists, engineers and all others involved with the programme on
their outstanding success which is a source of pride for the nation.
The series of tests are a part of the research and development of
Pakistan's indigenous missile programme, which is an essential element
of Pakistan's policy of maintaining minimum deterrence in the interest
of our security. It demonstrates Pakistan's determination to defend
itself, strengthen national security and consolidate strategic balance
in
the region.
It may be recalled that Pakistan had not tested a major missile system
since April 99 and had demonstrated utmost restraint over the past three
years. Our policy will continue to be governed by restraint and
responsibility and such tests will only be conducted when technically
needed.
In a spirit of transparency and as a confidence building measure,
Pakistan had given prior notification of the test to its neighbours as
well as important countries.
Pakistan to conduct missile tests between May 25-28
ISLAMABAD, May 24 (APP)- Pakistan has informed neighbouring countries of
its plans to conduct missile tests between 25th and 28th this month, an
official spokesman said here Friday.
"These are routine tests and are conducted as part of technical
requirements," he stated.
He said, Pakistan has also informed India of the prospective tests and
has emphasized that these are in no way related to the current situation
existing between the two countries. The details of the tests to be
conducted are to be intimated later, he added.
Border situation not a cause of missile
testing: Nisar Memon
ISLAMABAD, May 24 (APP): Information Minister Nisar Memon Friday said
Pakistan will carry out missile tests due to technical requirement and
not because of the prevalent situation at the borders.
Talking to BBC television, he said, "Pakistan will test missiles for its
technical requirement." He said we have notified all the neighbours
including India that we will be carrying series of missile tests.
It has absolutely nothing to do with the present situation at the
borders and the dispute with India. This is just normal, he added.
To another question he said, India has carried out about 10 to 12
missile tests in the last three years but Pakistan did not respond to it
during that time.
When asked about the type of missiles, he said technical details of the
tests will be released later. It is suffice to say that we are carrying
the tests for technical requirement and it is absolutely not in response
to Indian activity, he added.
Pakistan tested missiles including Shaheen and Ghauri in April 1999 and
after that it has no requirement to carry out any further testing, he
reminded.
"But now we have a requirement and we are doing this for our defense and
not for offensive purposes," Nisar Memon added. Responding to a
question, he said India can carry out test so long it is properly
notified as is done in missile testing.
It is their country and their programme and we will not interfere in
their internal affairs nor we will politicize it. It will be appropriate
if nobody should politicize testing or try to make an event out of it,
he added.
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