Pakistan hails 'historic' nuclear tests 10 years on: AFP

ISLAMABAD (AFP) — Pakistan hailed the tenth anniversary of its first nuclear tests on Wednesday, saying it marked a decade of "responsibility and restraint" by the Islamic world's only atomic power.

The foreign ministry issued a statement marking the anniversary of the detonations on May 28, 1998, which were carried out in response to nuclear tests by regional rival India and caused worldwide alarm.

"It was a historic day in the nation's quest for security," the statement said of the tests.

"Pakistan has taken its responsibilities as a nuclear weapon state seriously. We have not relented in our pursuit for creating a peaceful global and regional environment," it added.

The anniversary comes amid continuing concerns about the security of politically unstable Pakistan's estimated arsenal of around 50 atomic weapons and about its role in nuclear proliferation.

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Pakistan tests ballistic missile: BBC

Pakistan has carried out a second successful test of a cruise missile capable of carrying nuclear weapons, its military said.

Hatf-VIII (or Raad, "thunder" in Arabic), was first tested last year.

It has a range of 350km (220 miles) and it has been developed exclusively for launch from the air.

On Wednesday, India tested a ballistic missile with a range of over 3000km (1,865 miles). The two neighbours routinely carry out missile tests.

Tension between Pakistan and India has decreased in recent years amid a series of bilateral overtures.

"It (Hatf-VIII) has enabled Pakistan to achieve a greater strategic stand-off capability on land and at sea," a statement from the Pakistan military said.

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