BBC WORLD.. Mar. 9, 2004
Pakistan tests long-range missile
The surface-to-surface Shaheen II missile has a range of 2,000 kilometres (1,250 miles) and can carry both conventional and unconventional warheads.
The test follows recent disclosures that a Pakistani scientist sold nuclear secrets to North Korea, Libya and Iran.
Nuclear rivals India and Pakistan have recently embarked on a peace initiative and a ceasefire is in place along their border.
Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf had said last month that Islamabad would test the Shaheen II, even as he played down fears of a nuclear race with India.
Nuclear proliferation
President Musharraf has also vowed to continue with Pakistan's nuclear programme, despite international concern following the revelation that the country's top scientist, Abdul Qadeer Khan, sold secrets on the international black market.
"Politically the government is trying to assure the people that its missiles and nuclear programmes are moving ahead, and that the negative fallout of the proliferation affair has not affected any of its affairs," military analyst Talat Masood told the Associated Press.
In 1998, Pakistan and India conducted a series of tit-for-tat tests of nuclear weapons, leading to sanctions by the international community.
Both sides have fought two wars over the Kashmir dispute but have agreed to discuss their differences after a landmark summit in January.
--> http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3545303.stm
Pakistan tests long-range missile
The surface-to-surface Shaheen II missile has a range of 2,000 kilometres (1,250 miles) and can carry both conventional and unconventional warheads.
The test follows recent disclosures that a Pakistani scientist sold nuclear secrets to North Korea, Libya and Iran.
Nuclear rivals India and Pakistan have recently embarked on a peace initiative and a ceasefire is in place along their border.
Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf had said last month that Islamabad would test the Shaheen II, even as he played down fears of a nuclear race with India.
Nuclear proliferation
President Musharraf has also vowed to continue with Pakistan's nuclear programme, despite international concern following the revelation that the country's top scientist, Abdul Qadeer Khan, sold secrets on the international black market.
"Politically the government is trying to assure the people that its missiles and nuclear programmes are moving ahead, and that the negative fallout of the proliferation affair has not affected any of its affairs," military analyst Talat Masood told the Associated Press.
In 1998, Pakistan and India conducted a series of tit-for-tat tests of nuclear weapons, leading to sanctions by the international community.
Both sides have fought two wars over the Kashmir dispute but have agreed to discuss their differences after a landmark summit in January.
--> http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3545303.stm