May 26, 2002	Sunday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 13,1423

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ISLAMABAD, May 25: Pakistan is likely to test more missile systems, including Shaheen solid fuel missile, a project of the National Engineering and Scientific Commission, following the successful test-firing of Hataf-V (Ghauri-II) missile on Saturday.

According to the data collected from the test all design parameters of Hataf-V had been successfully validated, an official announcement said.

Chairman of National Engineering and Scientific Commission (Nescom) Dr Samar Mubarak Mund told Dawn by telephone that Hataf-V missiles had a range of 1600 kilometres with a deadly accuracy to hit the target.

“You need to have a whole range of missiles,” Mr Mund said when asked to differentiate between Hataf-V (Ghauri-II) and the one likely to be tested in the next three days.

Mr Mund said that Hataf-V missiles had already been inducted into the Pakistan Army. These missile could also be installed on the ships and launched from the sea, he revealed.

“The successful test has reconfirmed the effectiveness and technical excellence of Pakistan’s indigenous missile technology as well as the first rate of professionalism and dedication of its scientists and engineers,” the official announcement said.

“The series of tests are 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,” the announcement added.

“It demonstrates Pakistan’s determination to defend itself, strengthen national security and consolidate the strategic balance in the region.”

It recalled that Pakistan had not tested a major missile system since April 1999 and had demonstrated utmost restraint during the last three years.

“Our policy will continue to be governed by restraint and responsibility and such tests will only be conducted when technically needed,” it said.

All neighbouring countries had been informed in advance to maintain a spirit of transparency and as a confidence-building measure, the announcement said.