Pakistan test-fires missile

Pakistan has tested a number of Ghauri missiles since 1998

Pakistan has successfully test-fired a medium-range missile which it says is capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

The Hatf V missile, which has a maximum range of 1,500km (932 miles), was fired from an undisclosed location.

The test comes less than a week after a new government took office in India, but Delhi had been informed the test would take place, a spokesman said.

Major Gen Shaukat Sultan added: "We want to improve our missiles, and today's test was... for this purpose."

The Hatf V missile, part of Pakistan's Ghauri series of missiles, travelled 900km (560 miles) before hitting its target, the officer told AP news agency.

'No compromise'

The test comes only a day after Pakistan celebrated the sixth anniversary of its first nuclear test.

Pakistan says its weapons programme is a response to that of India, with which it has fought three wars since 1947, when both gained independence from Britain.

Saturday's test was witnessed by Prime Minister Zafarullah Jamali and senior military commanders.

Addressing the team of scientists and technicians at the launch site, Prime Minister Jamali said Pakistan would never compromise on its policy of maintaining a minimum nuclear deterrent.

The government would continue to provide financial and material support for the technological advancement in this strategic field, he added.

Nuclear talks

Masood Khan, a spokesman for Pakistan's foreign ministry, denied the test would lead to increased tension in the region.

"I don't think that it is inflammatory," he told the BBC.

"Pakistan acquired nuclear capability to deter aggression and to defend our sovereignty... and testing of missiles is part of that strategy.

"And we do it - and the Indians do it - all the time," he added.

Both countries recently agreed to hold talks on the nuclear issue with the aim of exploring the possibility of reducing the risk of an accidental nuclear conflict.

The meeting, scheduled for this month, was postponed on Delhi's request because of a surprise change of government in India.

The talks are now expected to take place next month.