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Pak missile test to relax roll-back compromise apprehensions

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, March 9, IRNA -- Pakistan Tuesday test-fired its first 
intermediate range surface-to-surface ballistic missile, capable of 
carrying nuclear warheads deep into distant targets, which aimed at 
satisfying the opposition at home and also airing a message to the 
international community of continuation of its strategic arms 
program. 
The latest test is part of the declared `strategy of deterrence` 
on which Islamabad had announced on several occasions not to 
compromise on the strategic arms and ongoing research of acquiring 
latest techniques related to missile development. 
Chief of NESCOM -- body responsible of research and development of
strategic arms, Dr. Samar Mubarak Mand has been quoted as saying that 
the full range of the missile was 1,500 miles although it was tested 
only to a 1,250-mile travel, the edge of Pakistan`s sea limits. 
A press release issued by the military said that today`s test of 
Hatif-VI nick-named Shaheen-II two-staged intermediate range 
surface-to-surface ballistic missile, reflects Pakistan`s `resolve to 
maintain minimum credible deterrence` as the cornerstone of its 
security policy. 
The test, falling eight-day before the visit of the US Secretary 
of States Colin Powell to Islamabad, according to diplomatic circles, 
is a clear message from Islamabad regarding its security in the wake 
of conventional imbalance in South Asia. 
"The latest ballistic missile test also signals to the 
international community of no change in the policy of deterrence of 
Pakistan despite pressures related to proliferation and etc," a senior
diplomat in Islamabad said while requesting not to be named. 
According to ISPR -- Inter Services Public Relations -- the 
missile was the first of the locally-built Hatif-VI missile which can 
carry warheads up to 2,000 kilometers. 
However, the total range of the missile is 2,500 kilometers with 
the capability of carrying full load of 1,000 kilograms to its target.
Analysts say, the latest test of ballistic missiles might also 
help in defusing momentum of the joint opposition`s expected movement 
against the government as might be decided on Wednesday meeting of 
Alliance for Restoration of Democracy (ARD). 
The Muttahida Majlis-e Aamal (MMA) and ARD being joint opposition 
are expected to take decision of a movement against the government 
with one of the major agenda to protect national nuclear program, to 
protect Pakistani nuclear scientists including Dr. A Q Khan and also 
to protest against the operations in tribal areas. 
The ARD seemed not having any objection over the operations in 
tribal areas whereas the MMA do have strong reservations. 
The test of the missile was conducted at 11:30 a.m. at Somiani 
Test Range in Pakistan`s Sea territory near Karachi. Pakistani ships 
were seen deep in Indian Ocean to test the parameters of the 
two-staged missile. 
All the neighbouring countries including India were informed in 
advance of the test, it was officially announced. 
The peace moves combined with reports of the alleged nuclear 
proliferation by Pakistan`s nuclear program founder Abdul Qadeer Khan,
have triggered concerns among some Pakistanis that the government 
would be pressed to wind down its nuclear program. 
Musharraf and Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Jamali congratulated 
personnel involved in the development and launching of the Shaheen-II 
missile system. 
Pakistan`s arsenal includes the Ghauri missile -- test fired in 
1997 -- which can hit targets up to 1,500 kilometers. 
The recent thaw between India and Pakistan seemingly served 
nothing as far as the missiles tests and military deals by Pakistan 
and India are concerned. 
Foreign Ministry spokesman Masood Khan Monday said, "The aim of 
the test would be to ensure the reach of the missile was sufficient to
deter aggression and prevent military coercion." 
Also India concluded a deal last week to buy an Israeli Phalcon 
airborne radar system that Pakistan has complained will threaten its 
security and require steps to keep a balance between the two 
nuclear-armed rivals. 
TK/TSH/AH/210 
End