Gen Bwaja blasts India as Pak tests short-range ‘Nasr’ missile

Pakistan announced today that it has successfully test fired short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile dubbed 'Nasr', with army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa using the occasion to fire broadsides against India.

Gen Bwaja said the launch has put "cold water" on Indian military's "Cold Start" doctrine.

"Nasr has put cold water on Cold Start," Gen Bajwa said. Cold Start is a military doctrine developed by the Indian Armed Forces for use in a likely war with Pakistan.

'Nasr' is a high-precision weapon system with the ability to be deployed quickly, the army said after the training launch of the short-range missile Nasr at an undisclosed location.

The Pakistan Army has conducted a series of training launches and tests during the current week for validation of new technical parameters of 'Nasr' with enhanced range from 60-70 km and flight manoeuvrability.

Speaking on the occasion, Gen Bwaja said war must be avoided at all costs and "our strategic capability is a guarantee of peace against a highly militarised and increasingly belligerent neighbour".

He said Pakistan will go to any length to ensure regional peace and stability. He also supported government's efforts for peace through talks.

"We whole-heartedly support all government efforts towards peace through dialogue. Our capability is only meant to ensure no one thinks that war remains an option," he said.

 He appreciated the training and preparedness of Armed Strategic Force and role of engineers and scientists for the milestone in Pakistan's credible deterrence capability.

The army chief expressed complete satisfaction at the command and control system of the country and safety and security of all strategic assets.

President Mamnoon Hussain, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, and services chiefs congratulated the scientists and the nation over successful launch of the missile.