Pakistan's military has said it has successfully test-fired a short-range missile capable of delivering a nuclear warhead.

A military statement said the Hatf III Ghaznavi missile with a range of 290km was launched today from an undisclosed location.

It said the test was carried out during a field training exercise and that the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Rashad Mahmood, and other officers were present.

Afterwards, Gen Mahmood congratulated the scientists and engineers involved on the successful launch.

Pakistan, which became a nuclear power in 1998, routinely test-fires what it claims are indigenously developed missiles.

The international community closely watches its weapons programme as Pakistan has fought three wars with its nuclear-armed arch-enemy and neighbour India after gaining independence since 1947.