Posted on 03/07/2003 9:21:13 PM PST by green team 1999
New missile for Pakistan army
By Zaffar Abbas BBC correspondent in Islamabad
A new medium-range missile system has been formally handed over to the Pakistan military.
Shaheen missile - Pakistan will 'not compromise' its defence needs The Shaheen-1 missile system is indigenously developed and has a range of 750 kilometres.
In January, another surface-to-surface missile system, Ghauri, was also formally handed over to Pakistan Army's Strategic Force Command.
President General Pervez Musharraf attended Friday's official ceremony.
Praise
An official announcement said the surface-to-surface missile can carry all types of warheads, including nuclear ones.
President Musharraf praised the scientists and engineers who have remained linked to Pakistan's nuclear and missile programme.
The president said that Pakistan sought peace in South Asia but would not compromise its minimum defence needs.
He ruled out the pursuit of an arms race and emphasized the need to consolidate minimum deterrence as a cornerstone of Pakistan's security policy.
President Musharraf said Pakistan does not threaten anyone nor would accept threats from anyone.
Pakistan did not have global ambitions but was compelled to go nuclear due to belligerence in its neighbourhood - an indirect reference to India.
At the same time he denied some foreign newspaper reports about Pakistan's alleged support for the North Korean nuclear programme, and said Islamabad takes its international responsibilities and obligations seriously.
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