Author:
Publication: PTI
Date: January 31, 2002
Pakistan is moving toward serial
production of solid-propellant Short Range Ballistic Missiles such as Shaheen-I
and Haider-I with extensive Chinese assistance, the CIA says in a report.
Chinese entities continued to provide
"significant assistance" to Pakistan's ballistic missile programme during
the first half of 2001. "...with respect to Pakistan, Chinese entities
in the past provided extensive support to unsafeguarded as well as safeguarded
nuclear facilities, which enhanced substantially Pakistan's nuclear weapons
capability.
"Pakistan has been moving toward
domestic serial production of solid-propelled SRBMs (Short Range Ballistic
Missiles) with Chinese help. Pakistan needs continued Chinese assistance
to support development of the two-stage Shaheen-II MRBM (Medium Range Ballistic
Missile)," the just published report on proliferation says.
Stating that Islamabad has a well-developed
nuclear weapons programme, it says acquisition of nuclear-related goods
from foreign sources will remain important if Pakistan chooses to develop
more advanced nuclear weapons.
Pakistan also acquired nuclear-related
and dual-use equipment and materials from other sources - principally Western
Europe, the report which covers the Jan 1-Jun 30, 2001 period says.
Pakistan, says the CIA, continues
to rely on China and France for its Advanced Conventional Weapon requirements.
Islamabad received delivery of upgraded Mirage IIIs from France, and negotiated
to purchase an additional 40 F-7 fighters from China.