Even Musharraf, who witnessed that Ghauri launch as a local corps commander, had been led to believe it was a success then, according to the nuclear scientist, who until recently had long been closely associated with the countrys nuclear and missile programs.
The truth, he said, is that the ballistic missile failed to reach its predesignated impact point in Pakistans southwestern province of Baluchistan and its debris could not be found something that would have undermined the missiles deterrent effect if it were made public.
Musharraf then ordered another Ghauri test, which took place on April 14, 1999, just three days after India tested its Agni-2 intermediate-range ballistic missile and several weeks before India detected the extent of the Pakistani sides penetration in Kargil.
But this test also failed, with the missile overflying its target and falling across the border in the Sistan region of southeastern Iran, the scientist said. It, too, was publicly declared a success, however.
While Pakistan claimed the Ghauri missiles were designed and produced indigenously, they were actually Nodong missiles supplied by North Korea and re-engineered in Pakistan to extend their strike range.
Last Nov. 28, the improved version of Ghauri was test-fired and the government true to form declared it a success. Soon afterward, however,
it was found to have exploded in midair and rained metal debris over parts of Sindh Province.
North’s missiles tied to Musharraf blunder | The Japan Times