Pakistan test fires missile capable of delivering nuclear warhead

The international communicty is closely watching Pakistan's nuclear weapons program, especially due to the country's rivalry with India.

ISLAMABAD // Pakistan’s military says it has successfully test-fired a short-range missile capable of delivering a nuclear warhead.

A military statement says the Hatf III Ghaznavi missile with a range of 290 kilometres was launched on Tuesday from an undisclosed location.

It says the test was conducted during a field training exercise and that the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gen Rashad Mahmood and other officers were present.

Afterward, Gen Mahmood congratulated scientists and engineers involved for the successful launch.

Pakistan, which became a nuclear power in 1998, routinely test-fires what it claims are indigenously developed missiles.

The international community closely watches its weapons program as Pakistan has fought three wars with its nuclear-armed archenemy and neighbor India after gaining independence since 1947.

* Associated Press