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Another missile test-fire any time: Pak scientist

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, April 12, IRNA - Pakistan`s prominent nuclear scientist Dr 
Samar Mubarakmand has said that second test-fire of Shaheen-II missile
would be conducted any time. 
According to Urdu newspaper Jang on Monday, the scientist said 
that preparations had been made for another test-fire of the 
Shaheen-II ballistic missile any time. 
There is no restriction on missiles or introduction of codes by 
the United States on Pakistan missiles, he added. 
He brushed aside the impression that missile or nuclear device 
would be made by purchasing equipment from the black market and taking
out print of the designs from the Internet. 
"Had this been possible dozens of other countries by far would 
have established themselves as nuclear states." 
In March, Pakistan test-fired its first intermediate range 
surface-to-surface ballistic missile, capable of carrying nuclear 
warheads deep into distant targets. 
Observers said that the test-fire aimed at satisfying the 
opposition at home and also airing a message to the international 
community of continuation of its strategic arms programme. 
The latest test was part of the declared "strategy of deterrence" 
over which Islamabad had announced on several occasions to do not 
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. Mubarakmand was quoted then as saying that the 
full range of the missile was 1,500 miles although it was tested only 
to a 1250-mile travel, the edge of Pakistan`s sea limits. 
A press release issued by the military said that the 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 first test, falling eight days before the visit of the US 
Secretary of States Collin Powel to Islamabad, according to diplomatic
circles, was 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.
The peace moves combined with reports of the alleged nuclear 
proliferation by Pakistan`s nuclear programme founder Abdul Qadeer 
Khan, have triggered concerns among some Pakistanis that the 
government would be pressed to wind down its nuclear program. 
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. 
India concluded a deal in February to buy three Israeli Phalcon 
airborne radar systems that Pakistan has complained will threaten its 
security and require steps to keep a balance between the two 
nuclear-armed rivals. 
MHA/TSH/211 
End