Pakistan carried out another test of a nuclear-capable ballistic missile on Monday as part of efforts to boost its defences, the military sources said. A successful test of a surface-to-surface solid-fuel missile Hatf-III Ghaznavi with a range of 290 km (181 miles) took place, they said in a statement. "The test was a part of a series of tests planned to be conducted in order to verify certain parameters and further refine sub-systems of the missile," they said.
"Pakistan's nuclear and missile programme will maintain the pace of development and tests will continue to be conducted as per technical needs," they added.
The indigenously produced missile was delivered to the army in February this year, and was previously tested in 2002 and 2003. It was the third test of the missile, the sources added.
Officials said missile tests over the last four years and the delivery of systems to the military demonstrate the government's resolve to strengthen Pakistan's nuclear deterrent.
The sources said Pakistan had notified the neighbouring countries about the test, a practice also observed by arch-rival India, which regularly carries out tests of nuclear-capable missiles.
However, military spokesman Major General Shaukat Sultan said at the time that the missile test was not intended as a signal to anyone, and hoped a peace process with India would produce positive results.
Pakistan's military already has the Hatf-IV missile, known as the Shaheen One, with a range of 750 km (466 miles) and capable of carrying all types of warheads and the Hatf-V Ghauri missile, which has a range of up to 2,300 km.
Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said that strong defence would lead the country on the road to progress and development.
Talking to PTV after carrying out successful test fire of indigenously developed short-range surface to surface ballistic missile Hataf III - Ghaznavi, he said "Today I am happy as the country has carried out successful test fire of Ghaznavi missile."
Shaukat Aziz congratulated the scientists, officers and staff on their outstanding achievement.
He said country's defence capability would be further improved, as it was best guarantee of peace in the region.
"No one could dare cast an evil eye on Pakistan", the PM said.
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