Pakistan tests Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan on Wednesday successfully launched the Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile, which can carry nuclear warheads, the military said.

The missile is capable of carrying nuclear and conventional warheads to a range of 900 kilometers, an army statement said.

This handout photo released by the Pakistan's Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) office on April 10, 2013, shows a Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile Hatf IV Shaheen-1 Weapon System launched from an undisclosed location in Pakistan. [Photo/Xinhua]

"Pakistan today conducted a successful launch of the Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile Hatf IV Shaheen-1 Weapon System,"a statement from the army's Inter-Services Public Relations said.

It said the missile incorporates series of improvements in range and technical parameters of the existing missile.

The launch, whose impact point was at sea, was witnessed by senior officials who deal with Pakistan's missile system.

The officials who were present at the test included former Director General of Strategic Plans Division Lieutenant General Khalid Ahmed Kidwai, Chairman of the National Engineering and Scientific Commission NESCOM Muhammad Irfan Burney and other senior military officers, scientists and engineers.

Kidwai said that the improved version of Shaheen-1 has consolidated and strengthened Pakistan's deterrence abilities manifold and he appreciated the efforts of all personnel for their dedication and professionalism.

Kidwai congratulated all scientists and engineers on the successful launch, the military statement said.