This handout photograph released by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) on February 15, 2013, shows a Pakistani short range surface to surface Ballistic Missile Hatf II (Abdali) launched from an undisclosed location. — Photo by AFP PHOTO/Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR)

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan conducted a successful test of the short ranged nuclear capable Hatf II (Abdali) according to a statement issued by the Inter Services Public relations (ISPR) on Friday.

The ISPR statement stated:

Pakistan today successfully test fired the Short Range Surface to Surface Ballistic Missile Hatf II (Abdali), as part of the process of validation of land based ballistic missile systems. Hatf II (Abdali) with a range of 180 kilometres, carries nuclear as well as conventional warheads with high accuracy. The weapon system with its varied manoeuvrability options provides an operational level capability to Pakistan’s Strategic Forces.

The test was witnessed by the higher officials of the military and the Prime Minister and President of Pakistan congratulated the scientists and engineers on the outstanding achievement.