The launch of the Shaheen 2 (Hatf VI) surface-to-surface missile was witnessed by President General Pervez Musharraf, a military statement said.

"This missile system, which incorporates advanced two-stage solid motor technology, can carry all types of conventional and nuclear warheads to a range of 2,000 kilometres (1,243 miles)," it said without giving any further explanation.

"The test was carried out to verify some of the refined technical parameters ... all parameters were validated," the statement said.

Neighbouring states, particularly nuclear-armed rival India, were given prior notification of the test "as per existing practice, as a confidence building measure," it said.

Musharraf congratulated the scientists and engineers on the successful test, saying "the nation was proud of its strategic organisations and strategic forces."

Pakistan said after tests of the medium-range Shaheen-1 (Hatf-IV) in December that the exercise was not meant to send any message to India. The two countries are engaged in a peace dialogue aimed at resolving all issues including the disputed Himalayan state of Kashmir.

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