Pak tests Hatf-III missile

Pakistan today 8216;8216;successfully8217;8217; test-fired a short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile Hatf-III, capable of carrying conventional nuclear warheads and having a range of 290 kms which could hit targets in India. 8216;8216;Pakistan carried out a successful test fire of its indigenously developed short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile Hatf-III Ghaznavi,8217;8217; Defence Ministry said in a statement here.

The Hatf-III can carry conventional and non-conventional weapons, it said. Capable of carrying 8216;8216;all types of warheads accurately8217;8217;, Ghaznavi8217;s 8216;8216;test was part of series of planned tests to be conducted in the next few days to validate the design parameters of various missile systems,8217;8217; the statement said.

The missile test was carried out at 0912 hours IST. The official announcement claimed that the missile was 8216;8216;indigenously8217;8217; developed and bore testimony to the professional excellence of Pakistani scientists and engineers. Reports said the tests were aimed at enhancing the storage life of the missile for another 10 years.

After Islamabad tested the missile, US today renewed its calls for dialogue between India and Pakistan . The State Department said while the test did not for the moment appear to have significantly increased tensions between India and Pakistan, the two sides should refrain from provocative actions, particularly the full deployment of such missiles.