Pakistan on the Brink: Own Missile Crashes Close to Nuclear Site, Tragedy Narrowly Avoided

Karachi (The Uttam Hindu): The test of Shaheen-3 ballistic missile by Pakistan Army failed miserably. The missile missed its target and exploded near a nuclear centre in Dera Ghazi Khan in Punjab province. After this, the debris of the missile fell in Matt area of Dera Bugti district of Balochistan, which is just 500 meters away from civilian settlements. This incident has raised serious questions about the safety of the local people.

According to sources, the debris fell into the Grapan Ravine near the Loop Sehrani Levee station, causing a loud explosion. A large number of people live near the site of the incident, which could have led to a major humanitarian tragedy. After the accident, the Pakistani army shut down internet services in the entire area, blocked media access and ordered people to stay indoors.

What is Shaheen-3?

Shaheen-3 is Pakistan's most advanced surface-to-surface ballistic missile. It is capable of carrying nuclear weapons and has a range of about 2750 kilometers. Many major cities of India - like Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru - come in this range. The missile was tested from Rakhi area of Dera Ghazi Khan on July 22, but due to technical fault it deviated from the prescribed path.

Questions on security and transparency

This incident not only raises questions on Pakistan's military technical capability, but also casts doubt on its seriousness towards the safety of the common citizens of Balochistan. Local people and human rights organizations have criticized the army's secrecy and tendency to suppress information. At present, the Pakistani Defense Ministry has not issued any official statement on this subject.