Pakistan tests powerful long-range missile

Pakistan tested its longest-range missile yet today, capable of carrying a nuclear warhead and hitting targets deep inside neighbouring India, a defence ministry official said.

The official, who did not want to be named, said the test was “100% successful”.

“It can carry both conventional and unconventional warheads.”

He did not disclose where the test was conducted.

The Shaheen 2 missile has a range of 1,250 miles.

Pakistan’s previous longest-range missile was the Ghouri, tested in 1997, which has a range of 810 miles.

Pakistan foreign ministry spokesman Masood Khan said yesterday that “neighbours and concerned countries”, including India, would be informed in advance of the test – which comes despite peace moves in recent months between the South Asian rivals.

The nuclear-armed neighbours have started talks on a road map to peace that will include negotiations to solve their dispute over divided Kashmir – the issue at the heart of their five decades of hostility.