Missile tests

PAKISTAN'S navy successfully test-fired a series of missiles and torpedoes yesterday in what it called a message to "nefarious" forces – an apparent reference to long-time rival India.

While the nuclear-armed neighbours have taken slow steps towards restarting peace talks, they also have a history of using weapons tests as a kind of diplomatic sabre-rattling.

The missiles were launched from aircraft, submarines and ships in the Arabian Sea.

A statement from the Pakistani navy said the tests showed its commitment to "defending the motherland".

It added: "This strike capability would also send a message of deterrence to anyone harbouring nefarious designs against Pakistan."

Indian home minister Palaniappan Chidambaram said in speech in New Delhi that Pakistan had been a "very difficult neighbour" since independence from Britain in from 1947.