Hatf V launched: Pakistan's defence impregnable: Gilani

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani Tuesday said Pakistan's defence capability was impregnable and should never be challenged. Addressing at the successful launch of Medium Range Ballistic Missile Hatf V (Ghauri) that can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads over a distance of 1300 Kms, Gilani said Pakistan's nuclear weapons were safe, fully secure and under a multi layered command and control system.
He said the launch also sends the right signals internationally that Pakistan's defence capability is impregnable. "The test amply demonstrates the credibility of minimum deterrence strategy, which is the cornerstone of our security policy and ensures peace in the region," Gilani said in his address at the undisclosed test site.
The launch of the liquid fuel missile was conducted by the Strategic Missile Group of the Army Strategic Force Command at the end of a field training exercise aimed at testing the operational readiness. Prime Minister Gilani said Pakistan was a responsible nation with an extremely reliable nuclear capability.
"We do not harbour any aggressive designs against anyone. We wish to live in peace with honour and dignity and our nuclear capability is in fact our deterrence against all forms of aggression," Prime Minister Gilani said. "Let there be no doubt that Pakistan's Armed Forces are highly professional, motivated and fully capable of safeguarding Pakistan's security against all types of aggression." Prime Minister Gilani assured that the Pakistani nation and his government stand fully behind its armed forces and support its nuclear and missile programme.
"Pakistan is not only here to stay but will also grow from strength to strength in the pursuit of establishing its rightful place in the community of strong and prosperous nations." Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Khalid Shameem Wynne, Director General Strategic Plans Division Lieutenant General Khalid Ahmad Kidwai (Retd), Commander Army Strategic Force Command Lieutenant General Jamil Haider, Chairman KRL Karim Ahmed, Chairman NESCOM Muhammad Irfan Burney and scientists and engineers of Strategic Commissions witnessed the launch.
Prime Minister Gilani congratulated all ranks of the Army Strategic Force Command on the successful launch of Ghauri Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile. He said it was extremely heartening to witness Army Strategic Force Command troops going through the tactical exercise in realistic operational environment to the test the "extremely potent strategic missile."
He noted with satisfaction that such exercises were an annual training feature for all missile groups of Army Strategic Force Command and said it has come a long way since its raising in 1999, and was "a matter of great pride for the nation." Gilani complimented the dedicated efforts of the scientists and engineers of KRL and NESCOM for producing and delivering the highly sophisticated and extremely accurate delivery systems, which have strengthened Pakistan's security.
"I can say on behalf of all Pakistanis that we are indeed highly appreciative of the motivated and patriotic work of our scientists and engineers." "You have made the nation proud and we salute you for your outstanding work," Prime Minister Gilani said.
He said the most heartening feature of the development and consolidation of Pakistan's strategic programme was the excellent teamwork and the deep motivation that binds the strategic community. Gilani also acknowledged the central role of SPD, which, as the Secretariat of the National Command Authority, was the "cementing and driving force" behind all the work and was continuously striving to consolidate, strengthen and enhance the nation's strategic capabilities in all dimensions.