Friday, August 12 2005 16:44 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Islamabad: Pakistan has said the test firing of cruise missile by it will not affect the peace process with India.

"The test-firing of cruise missile by Pakistan should not be a concern for India as the peace process between the two countries would move ahead," Minister for Information and Broadcasting Sheikh Rashid Ahmed told reporters yesterday (August 11, 2005).

He said Pakistan wanted to resolve all issues with India peacefully but it could not remain oblivious to its defence needs.

The missile test met all the set parameters, he said, adding, the achievement would strengthen the country's defence and infuse a new spirit in the nation, official news agency APP quoted him as saying.

Pakistan yesterday (August 11, 2005) test-fired ground-launched cruise missile Hatf VII Babur.