New govt test-fires Shaheen-II

Pakistan on Saturday test-fired a long-range ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear and conventional warheads and hitting targets within India. The test-firing of the Shaheen-II or Hatf-VI surface-to-surface ballistic missile the first missile test since Pakistan8217;s new government assumed office last month was witnessed by Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani, Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar and Gen Tariq Majid, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee.

The Shaheen-II is Pakistan8217;s longest range ballistic missile with a reach of 2,000 km. It is a two-stage missile that can carry nuclear and conventional warheads with high accuracy.

The launch was 8220;part of the process of validation and technical improvements to consolidate and verify various land-based strategic missile systems8221;, the statement said.