Pakistan tests nuclear-capable missile

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Pakistan successfully test fired a nuclear-capable missile on Friday as part of its efforts to boost its defence capabilities, the second such test in less than a week, the military said.

The intermediate range ballistic missile, Ghauri (Hatf V), can travel up to 1,300 km. The army last week tested a medium-range Shaheen-1 (Hatf-IV).

President Pervez Musharraf attended Friday's test and said Pakistan had developed a strong nuclear deterrent.

"All needs for the strategic capability as per Pakistan's minimum deterrence requirements will be met," he said, a cording to a statement issued by the military.

He again dismissed concern that Pakistan's nuclear weapons could fall into the hands of Islamist militants and said such fears were being propounded by those who did not wish Pakistan well.

"Such elements have never reconciled to a nuclear Pakistan," he said.

"Pakistan is capable of thwarting all threats to its sovereignity and to the nuclear capability," he said.

Pakistan carried out nuclear tests in May 1998, days after its old rival India conducted tests.

Pakistan and India have fought thee wars since 1947 and nearly went to war a fourth time in 2002, but launched a peace process in early 2004.

They regularly carry out missile tests despite and inform each other in advance.