Pakistan tests nuclear-capable missile

Pakistan today successfully test-fired a new version of a medium-range ballistic missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, a military statement said.

The army's Strategic Missile Group launched the Ghauri missile, which has a range of 810 miles, from an undisclosed location, it said.

President Pervez Musharraf, the army chief and other officials witnessed the test, it said.

Pakistan became a declared nuclear power in 1998 when it conducted underground nuclear tests in response to those carried out by neighbouring India. It also tested its first missile the same year.

The two routinely test their various missiles.

Today Musharraf told troops in the undisclosed exercise area that Pakistan had "developed a strong nuclear deterrence capability", the military statement said.

Pakistan and India have a history of bitter relations. The two neighbours have fought three wars after gaining independence from Britain in 1947.

Relations between them have improved markedly since 2004, when they launched a peace process aimed at resolving outstanding disputes, including competing claims on the divided Himalayan region of Kashmir.