ISLAMABAD, July 3: Pakistan today confirmed that it test-fired the medium range Hatf missile and said it was aimed at ``peaceful uses of rocket motor technology''. ``It was Hatf'', was the reply of a Pakistani foreign office spokesman when his attention was drawn towards the report over test-firing of Hatf-3 missile which has a range of about 800 kms.

The confirmation comes after several Pakistani newspapers on Wednesday reported the test-firing of Hatf.

The foreign office spokesman, however, could not confirm the range of Hatf missile saying, ``I do not have the technical details of this particular thing.''

He ascribed the test-firing of the missile to the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) of Pakistan which is engaged in ``peaceful research and development of rocket motor technology.''

``Suparco carries out from time to time routine test of rockets. Suparco has carried out the test which has been reported in a section of the press,'' the spokesman added.

Though the spokesman confirmed that Hatf-III was test-fired, he tried to project it as a rocket technology with no military component but on insistence he simply said, ``your car can also be put to military use'' and added ``it is for the foreign media to reach their own conclusion.''Pakistan launched its Hatf missile development programme in early 1990s and had already announced the development of Hatf-I (with a range of about 100 kms) and Hatf-II (with a range of about 280 kms) missiles.

Hatf-III missile, analysts believe has a range of about 800 kms.India has expressed concern over the report on the test-firing of the Hatf-III missile and said it ``is carefully assessing the implications of these reports.''

Interestingly, the development of Pakistan's Hatf series of missiles has come in the wake of a Washington Post report that Pakistan is acquiring missile technology from China.

The paper, quoting a CIA report to the Congress, said that China provided ``a tremendous variety of assistance'' to ballistic missile programmes in Pakistan and Iran. The foreign office spokesman, however, said that Pakistan's co-operation with China is ``totally in the sphere of peaceful uses of these technologies.''

The spokesman categorically denied reports that Pakistan, with the help of China, is setting up a missile factory near Rawalpindi, on the outskirts of Islamabad.

``Rawalpindi is within walking distance of all of you and you are welcome to go and locate this particular factory," he told journalists.

Incidentally China's M-11 missile also has nearly 300 kms range same as the range of Hatf-II missile and this range has been deliberately kept to avoid sanctions under MTCR.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.