N Y Times (April 25, 2012)
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Pakistan successfully tested an improved
intermediate-range ballistic missile early on Wednesday, according to a
statement by the Pakistani military.
In a photo released by Pakistan's spy service, the Hatf-4 Shaheen-1A
soared from an undisclosed location in Pakistan on Wednesday.
Signs of an Asian Arms Buildup in India’s Missile Test (April 20, 2012)
By Salman Masood.
The test launch came six days after India, the country’s regional
archrival, test-fired an Agni 5, a long-range ballistic missile that is
also capable of carrying a nuclear warhead. Pakistani military and
defense analysts said that their missile test was not in response to
India’s, which was seen as focused on China. The Agni 5 tested last
week was capable of reaching Beijing and Shanghai.
Khalid Ahmed Kidwai, a retired lieutenant general who leads Pakistan’s
Strategic Plans Division, said the improved version of the missile,
which can carry a nuclear warhead, would “further strengthen and
consolidate Pakistan’s deterrence capabilities.”
Pakistani officials said Wednesday’s test was witnessed by senior
military authorities, scientists and engineers involved in the
country’s missile program. The impact point of the missile was
described to be in the Indian Ocean.
Mansoor Ahmed, a defense analyst based in Islamabad, said Wednesday’s
launching appeared to be of an improved intermediate-range missile,
with a possible range of 466 to 620 miles. The missile also may be
equipped with warheads designed to evade missile-defense systems, he
said.
“The test signifies Pakistan’s resolve and capability to modernize its
nuclear delivery systems,” Mr. Ahmed said, adding that it was not a
response to last week’s launch by India.
“Pakistan is only concerned with maintaining a minimum credible
deterrent capability vis-à-vis India and does not harbor regional or
global ambitions,” he said.
At the time of its test last week, Indian officials said the missile
could be launched from a mobile platform, a claim that raised immediate
concerns with Pakistan. Foreign Ministry officials in Islamabad said
they had been notified in advance of the test by India, and made no
further comments last week.
Last year, American intelligence assessments concluded that Pakistan
has expanded its nuclear arsenal in recent years, putting it on a path
to overtake Britain as the world’s fifth largest nuclear weapons power.
Wednesday’s test came as Pakistan was bracing for a fresh round of
political uncertainty. The country’s highest court is expected to
deliver a verdict Thursday on contempt charges against Prime Minister
Yousaf Raza Gilani.
A guilty verdict by the Supreme Court would force the Parliament to
choose a new prime minister.
The court has long pressed Mr. Gilani to open corruption charges
against President Asif Ali Zardari in Switzerland.
Mr. Gilani, a steadfast ally of Mr. Zardari, has resisted the court
pressure, insisting that the president enjoys immunity in a foreign
country.
A seven-member court panel, headed by Justice Nasir-ul Mulk, of the
Supreme Court is expected to announce the verdict Thursday morning and
lawyers and political analysts here say Mr. Gilani’s acquittal is
unlikely.
According to Aitzaz Ahsan, the lawyer for Mr. Gilani, the prime
minister could be sentenced to six months in prison and disqualified
from public office.
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