RAWALPINDI: Pakistan has successfully carried out training launch of a surface-to-surface ballistic missile, Hatf III (Ghaznavi), which can carry nuclear and conventional warheads over a distance of up to 290km.

The launch was witnessed by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gen Rashad Mahmood, Strategic Plans Division Director-General Lt Gen Zubair Mahmood Hayat, Commander of the Army Strategic Forces Command Lt Gen Obaidullah Khan, National Engineering and Scientific Commission Chairman M. Irfan Burney and other military officials and scientists, said a press release by the Inter-Services Public Relations.

Speaking to troops on the occasion, Gen Mahmood praised the personnel for attaining excellence in operating the advanced weapons system. He expressed satisfaction over the training goals achieved during the exercise and hoped that the personnel entrusted with the task of deterring aggression would continue to maintain high standards of professionalism.—APP