Pakistan conducts training launch of Ghaznavi missile

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan on Thursday conducted successful training launch of surface-to-surface Short Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM) Ghaznavi, capable of delivering multiple types of warheads upto a range of 290 kilometers, the ISPR said.

The training launch carried at an undisclosed location was part of field training exercise of the Army Strategic Forces Command (ASFC) aimed at rehearsing operational readiness procedures during day and night. The training launch was witness by Lt. General Nadeem Zaki Manj, Director General Strategic Plans Division (SPD), Lt. General Qazi Muhammad Ikram Ahmad, Commander ASFC, Dr Nabeel Hayat Malik, Chairman NESCOM, senior officers from SPD and ASFC, scientists and engineers of the strategic organisations. Director General SPD appreciated the operational preparedness of the Army Strategic Forces Command for displaying a very high standard of proficiency in handling and operating the weapon system. He also expressed full confidence in the robust Strategic Command and Control System and the capability of strategic forces.

President Dr Arif Alvi, Prime Minister Imran Khan, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) and services chiefs have congratulated the nation on the landmark achievement. The SRBM Ghaznavi has been in service in Pakistan Army since successful test fire of its first version in 2004. It is named after Muslim emperor of 11th Century Mahmud Ghaznavi.