ISLAMABAD: Pakistan conducted a successful test launch of the medium-range Shaheen-III surface-to-surface ballistic missile, according to a statement from Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The missile is capable of carrying nuclear and conventional warheads to a range of 2,750 km.

The ISPR statement added that the test flight was aimed at validating various design and technical parameters of the weapon system.

The impact point of the flight test was in the Arabian Sea, validating all the desired parameters.

The test was witnessed by senior officers from Strategic Plans Division, Strategic Forces, Scientists and Engineers of Strategic Organisations.

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Director General Strategic Plans Division, Lieutenant General Mazhar Jamil, congratulated the Scientists and Engineers on achieving a significant milestone in complementing the deterrence capability. He asserted that Pakistan desires peaceful co-existence in the region for which nuclear deterrence would further strengthen strategic stability in South Asia.

Lt Gen Mazhar Jamil appreciated the technical prowess, dedication and commitment of scientists who contributed whole heartedly to make this launch a success.

He expressed his full confidence over the Strategic Command and Control System and the Strategic Forces’ operational preparedness to defend against any aggressive design.

President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif congratulated the scientists and engineers, associated with the production of strategic arms for the military, on the successful missile test.

The Shaheen-I and Shaheen-II missiles were test-fired in Pakistan last year.

Shaheen-I is also capable of carrying nuclear as well as conventional warheads and has a range of 900km while the Shaheen-II missile can also carry nuclear and conventional warheads up to a range of 1500 km.

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