Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa witnessed the "training launch" of short range surface-to-surface ballistic missile 'Nasr' on Wednesday.
Nasr is a high-precision weapon system with the ability to be deployed quickly, the military said.
"Nasr Puts 'cold water' on 'cold start'!" COAS.
— Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) July 5, 2017
COAS witnessed training launch of 'SSM Nasr' with enhanced range and manoeuvrability.(1of2) pic.twitter.com/RWH6rsrVrS
"Pakistan has successfully undertaken a series of training launches and tests and trials during the current week for validation of new technical parameters of 'Nasr' with enhanced range from 60 km to 70 km and flight maneuverability," the military's media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said in a tweet announcing the successful launch of the missile.
"Our strat cap is a guarantee of peace agnst belligerent neighbour & only meant to ensure, no one thinks war remains an option", COAS(2 of2) pic.twitter.com/oMU4bZNnse
— Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) July 5, 2017
The ISPR said the weapon system will "augment credible deterrence against the prevailing threat spectrum" more effectively, including anti-missile defenses deployed by hostile forces.
"Nasr has put cold water on [the] cold start [doctrine]," Gen Bajwa said.
He was also reported to have said that war must be avoided at all costs, and the the Army's strategic capabilities were a "guarantee of peace" against a "highly militarised and increasingly belligerent neighbour".
"Pakistan will go to any length to ensure regional peace and stability," Gen Bajwa said. "We wholeheartedly support all government efforts at peace through dialogue. Our capability is only meant to ensure [peace]; no one thinks war remains an option," he assured.
The COAS was reported to have congratulated the scientists and engineers on the milestone.
He also expressed his complete confidence in "effective command, control, safety and security of all strategic assets and measures being taken to augment these."
"You are our real heroes — the unseen. We owe you our gratitude," the Army chief was quoted as saying.
Director General Strategic Plans Division Lt Gen Mazhar Jamil, Commander Army Strategic Force Command Lt Gen Mian Muhammad Hilal Hussain, Chairman NESCOM Dr Nabeel Hayat Malik, scientists amd engineers of strategic organizations also witnessed the launch.
