Pakistan has detonated two nuclear devices.

The tests were confirmed by the foreign minister, Gohar Ayub Khan but there are no more details at present.

The prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, is to address the nation shortly.

There had been growing speculation that Pakistan was about to carry out a nuclear test in response to the tests carried out by India two weeks ago.

Tensions between the two countries rose again sharply after Pakistan accused India of planning an attack on its nuclear sites.

It appealed for the major world powers to restrain what it called India's aggressive behaviour.

India has described Pakistan's fears as malicious and baseless.