Pakistan tests ballistic missile

Pakistan routinely test fires missiles in training exercises

Pakistan's military says it has successfully fired a medium-range ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

The Shaheen-1 (Hatf IV) has a range of 700km (440 miles). It was launched at the end of a training session.

Pakistan and its neighbour India - both nuclear powers - routinely carry out missile tests.

Tension between the two countries has decreased in recent years amid a series of bilateral overtures.

Reports said that the Shaheen-1 series is routinely fired during troop training exercises.

Pakistan army chief General Ashfaq Kiyani congratulated the officers involved and scientists on "achieving high standards of training and excellent results," an army statement said.

The firing comes amid mounting speculation about the security of Pakistan's nuclear arsenal.

A report last year recommended that the US send in special forces to help "secure the Pakistani nuclear arsenal".

President Pervez Musharraf has dismissed fears that his country's nuclear weapons could be acquired by Islamist militants.