Islamabad: Pakistan conducted a successful training launch of the Ghauri missile system on Monday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the launch was carried out by the Army Strategic Forces Command (ASFC) to test their operational and technical readiness.

The ballistic missile can carry conventional and nuclear warheads up to a distance of 1300 km.

Commander ASFC Lieutenant-General Mian Muhammad Hilal Hussain, senior officers from the strategic forces, scientists and engineers of strategic organisations witnessed the launch.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations, “The launch consolidates Pakistan’s nuclear capability which is aimed at peace and stability through a credible deterrence regime”. Prime Minister Imran Khan and President Arif Alvi appreciated the successful launch.

The demonstration came after India signed an agreement with Russia on Friday to purchase S-400 air defense system for $5 billion. 

Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi criticised India’s decision and it used incidents that occurred in July to justify cancelling negotiations that had been scheduled in September.

According to a report in Economic Times, Qureshi said, “India is reluctant; we will not close our doors. Hiding away from issues will not make them disappear. It will not improve the situation in Kashmir. Engagement, no-engagement. Coming, not coming. We desired talks as we believe the sensible way is to meet and talk. They agreed, and then disagreed”.