Pak tests new short-range missile

According to a government statement issued on Monday in Islamabad, the missile can hit targets 100 kilometers 60 miles away and can carry a variety of warheads. It did not say whether that included a nuclear warhead.

Pakistan8217;s missile arsenal includes a longer range ballistic missile with a range up to 1,500 kilometers 900 miles, capable of reaching most targets in India. This missile can also carry a nuclear warhead.

Relations between the two countries worsened following last December8217;s hijacking of an Indian Airlines plane. India accused Pakistan of orchestrating the hijacking, a charge that Islamabad has flatly denied.

The hijacking has caused a bitter war of words between the two uneasy neighbours and has resulted in an increase in cross-border attacks along the disputed border that divides the former Himalayan state of Kashmir between the two countries.

8220;The Hatf-1 is an indigenous effort and contributes significantly to Pakistan8217;s national security and deterrence strategy,8221; the statement said.

It also said that prior warning of the test was given to all of Pakistan8217;s neighbours, including India.

Washington says that Pakistan8217;s arsenal also includes the Chinese-made M-11, which both Islamabad and Beijing deny.