Pakistan on Wednesday test fired a nuclear-capable ballistic missile with a range of 1,300 kilometres, the military said. The military described the Hatf V Ghauri missile as a liquid fuel missile, which can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads. It was Pakistan’s eighth missile test so far this year and comes two months after its last test of a Hatf-VII with a range of 700 kilometres. Five of those tests were conducted within a few weeks after arch-rival India in April successfully test fired the Agni V, which can deliver a one-tonne nuclear warhead anywhere in China, marking a major advance in its military capabilities. India and Pakistan have fought three wars – two over the disputed Himalayan territory of Kashmir – and have routinely carried out missile tests since both demonstrated nuclear weapons capability in 1998. Defense analysts say India’s strategic priorities are focused more on China, while Pakistan is still concerned about its eastern neighbour.
