Pak tests nuclear-capable Hatf-III ballistic missile

A statement issued by the military described the 8220;training launch8221; of the short-range Hatf III or Ghaznavi missile as successful.

8220;The launch was conducted at the conclusion of the annual field training exercise of the Army Strategic Force Command,8221; the statement said.

The military did not say where the exercise was conducted.

It said the missile could carry nuclear and conventional warheads to a range of 290 km.

The training exercise was aimed at 8220;testing the operational readiness of a Strategic Missile Group,8221; the statement said.

Addressing troops in the exercise area,Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Chairman Gen Khalid Shameem Wynne said the country had 8220;developed a strong nuclear deterrence capability.8221;

He said: 8220;Pakistan8217;s Armed Forces are fully capable of safeguarding Pakistan8217;s security against aggression.8221;

Wynne said he expected the officers and men 8220;entrusted with the task of deterring aggression would continue to train hard and maintain professional excellence.8221;

He commended the troops for a 8220;high standard of proficiency in handling and operating the state of the art weapon system.8221;

Besides Wynne,the field training exercise was witnessed by Strategic Plans Division Director General Lt Gen retd Khalid Ahmed Kidwai,Army Strategic Force Command chief Lt Gen Tariq Nadeem Gilani,Karachi Corps Commander Lt Gen Muhammad Ijaz Chaudhry,other senior military officials and scientists.

The successful test was appreciated by the President and Prime Minister,who congratulated the troops,scientists and engineers.