Islamabad: Pakistan today (May 29, 2004) "successfully" test-fired a 1,500 km-range ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads and striking most of the Indian cities.

The test, which took place a week after the Congress-led Government assumed power in India, "was aimed at improving the technical parameters of missile system. There is no other objective of the test," military spokesman Maj Gen Shaukat Sultan said, adding that the launch of "indigenously developed" 1,500-km range Hatf-5 (Ghauri) missile was "successful".

"According to data collected from the test, all design parameters have been successfully validated," Sultan said, without disclosing the area where the test was conducted.

"Such details cannot be disclosed. I can only say that the firing range and the impact point was in Pakistan," he said, adding the missile can carry all kind of warheads.

The missile test was witnessed by Prime Minister Zafarullah Jamali, Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Aziz Khan and other top military officials, he said.

Sultan said neighbouring countries were given advance information about the test in accordance with the laws.

Without naming India, the spokesman said the advance information is part of the Confidence Building Measures.

Jamali in his address to the technicians and scientists on the occasion said the Government would improve technological edge and maintain minimum deterrence.

He said the Government would provide all resources for maintaining deterrence.