The launch was conducted at the conclusion of the annual field training exercises of shaheen-1 missile group. Shaheen-1 ballistic missile system, with a range of 700 kms, is an operationalised weapon system held by Pakistan army’s strategic force command and is routinely fired during training exercises by the troops of the ASFC. The field launch exercise of the ASFC was witnessed by the chief of the army staff, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, senior military officers and scientists. Addressing the troops in the exercise area, the chief of army staff said the nation had developed a strong nuclear deterrence capability and expected that the officers and men entrusted with the task of deterring aggression would continue to train hard and maintain professional excellence.
He made it clear that Pakistan did not have any aggressive designs against anyone and Pakistan's nuclear capability was solely for the purpose of deterring all types of aggression. He said the Pakistani armed forces were a highly professional, motivated and well trained force capable of safeguarding and securing nuclear assets against all categories of threat. The nation stood behind the armed forces. He stressed that creating irresponsible alarm by certain quarters would be counter productive.