BBC News' Owen Bennett-Jones reports on the response to the tests

Reports say some residents fired gunshots as a mark of triumph above Pakistan's capital city of Islamabad after the bombs were detonated.

Across the country, people expressed their jubilation by dancing in the streets and handing out sweets - a traditional means of celebration in Pakistan.

India slammed

In Karachi, reports say people in the streets waved Pakistan's green and white flag high, shouting slogans in favour of the government and against India.

"It's what India deserved"

A fruit seller in Islamabad told the BBC: "I'm very pleased that Pakistan has replied to India in an appropriate fashion - it's what India deserved."

Another man said: "India is extremely dangerous and economic sanctions won't hurt us. I am very glad we have done it. If we hadn't then India would have invaded Pakistan."

Pakistani opposition parties also welcomed the prime minister's decision and said the country would resolutely face any sanctions imposed by world powers.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif under pressure

"The nation can now hold its head high with pride now. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif should be congratulated for his bold decision," Maulana Shah Ahmed Noorani, president of the right wing Jamiat Ulema-e-Pakistan told Reuters.

But some reports said there were a few people who regretted the move. Mohammed Hayat Khan, from Kashmir, said that Pakistan could not afford the tests.

"We are a poor country. Now inflation will go up," he said. "We should have been more patient and it is the poor people who will suffer now. It will not help us get enough to eat."

In a televised interview, Mr Sharif said Pakistan's decision to conduct a test had been taken by the Pakistani public and without any fear.

He has repeatedly said he was under intense domestic pressure to conduct tests in response to India's nuclear blasts.