The two-stage 'Shaheen II' missile system, which has been indigenously developed by Pakistani scientists and engineers, can carry all types of warheads up to 2000 km. All the planned technical parameters were successfully validated during the test-fire.
The test demonstrates Pakistan's advanced scientific capability in the strategic field and is a tribute to the brilliance, hard work and patriotism of its dedicated community of scientists, engineers and technicians. It reflects Pakistan's resolve to maintain minimum credible deterrence as the cornerstone of its security policy.
President Pervez Musharraf at his press conference on February 5 had announced the planned launch of 'Shaheen II', while categorically dismissing apprehensions of a rollback.
President Musharraf and Prime Minister Zafarullah Khan Jamali have congratulated all personnel involved in the successful development and launch of 'Shaheen II' missile system.
All neighbouring countries had been informed, in advance, about the test-fire as a confidence-building measure.
REUTERS/AFP ADD: The test came after Israel last week concluded a deal to sell India a strategic airborne radar system, despite warming ties between Islamabad and New Delhi.
Pakistan says the new weapon exceeds the 1,500-km (900-mile) reach of the Ghauri, previously its longest-range missile, which some experts say was developed with North Korean help.
Israel, which falls just outside the Shaheen II's reach, is nonetheless watching the programme closely.
"The real risk here is in proliferation (by Pakistan)," Uzi Rubin, an advisor to Israel's Defence Ministry on missile technology, told Reuters.
JAPAN REGRETS: Meanwhile, Japan said on Tuesday it was regrettable that Pakistan had tested another ballistic missile despite the international push to halt the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
"It is regrettable that Pakistan conducted a ballistic missile test... despite efforts by the international community for the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles," the foreign ministry said in a statement in Tokyo.
"The Japanese government hopes that the test will not bring about a negative effect on the positive developments between India and Pakistan towards improving their relations," it added.
The statement called on Pakistan to "respond sincerely" to the international community's non-proliferation efforts.