Pakistan tests nuclear-capable long-range missile

Pakistan on Monday successfully tested a long-range missile that can carry nuclear war-heads, the military said.

The Shaheen-III Surface to Surface Ballistic Missile is capable of carrying nuclear and conventional warheads to a range of 2,750 kilometers, an army statement said.

"The test launch was aimed at validating various design and technical parameters of the weapon system at maximum range," it said.

Pakistan has several types of missiles, including ballistic and cruise, which can carry nuclear warheads and can reach India.

"The successful test launch and achievement of this Range milestone has also been warmly appreciated by the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan who congratulated the scientists and engineers on their outstanding achievement," the statement said.

The successful launch was witnessed by senior officers from the Strategic Plans Division, which deals with the country's missile system, strategic forces, scientists and engineers of strategic organizations.

Director-general of the Strategic Plans Division, Lieutenant General Zubair Mahmood Hayat, termed the test of the missile as a major step towards strengthening Pakistan's deterrence capability, the military said. Endi