Two days after the successful test fire of Pakistan's first indigenously developed ground-launched cruise missile, HATF-7, President General Pervez Musharraf Saturday vowed to strengthen and consolidate the country's "minimum deterrence" capabilities, according to DPA. Addressing senior army commanders in the garrison town of Rawalpindi, Musharraf said: "The cruise missile's successful test is a major milestone in Pakistan's quest for strengthening and consolidating our minimum deterrence". Test-fired from a newly developed range in the southwestern Balochistan province last Thursday, the HATF-7 or "Babur" missile can hit its target with a "pinpoint" accuracy and carry a range of warheads. Musharaff called the latest missile test "a great boost in Pakistan's defence capability and a gift to the nation". The President also briefed the commanders about his government's efforts to purge extremism from the country and said he was determined to promote real Islamic values and moderation in Pakistani society. --SP 2138 Local Time 1838 GMT
