Date:20/04/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/20/stories/2008042059590800.htm

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Hatf-VI test-fired

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Saturday successfully test-fired a long-range, nuclear-capable ballistic missile. “Hatf-VI (Shaheen-2) has a range of 2,000 km and can carry both nuclear and conventional warheads,” the military said in a statement.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani watched the test and congratulated engineers and scientists on achieving an “important milestone” in Pakistan’s quest for sustaining strategic balance in South Asia, the statement said.

The military cited Mr. Gillani as having said the missile and the nuclear programme enjoyed complete national consensus and would continue to be consolidated and strengthened.

“He made it clear that Pakistan’s strategy of credible minimum deterrence is fully in place and is a guarantee of peace in the region.”

— Reuters

A regular test: India

PTI reports from New Delhi:

India did not attach much importance to Pakistan test-firing the ballistic missile. “Such tests have been happening forever. Pakistan requires testing of missiles as the technology is flowing in from some other parts of the world. Therefore, regular testing is required,” Navy chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta told reporters.