The missile was marked into the Indian Ocean and was targeted successfully at its location, said Inter services public relations (ISPR) sources.

The exact range of the new Shaheen 1A has not been announced but Retired General Talat Masood, a defence analyst, told media it would be able to hit targets up to 2,500 to 3,000 kilometers (1,550 to 1,850 miles) away.

He added that, Pakistan is engaged in improving its missile system as India continues to increase its capability."

Haft 4 is an improvised form of Shaheen 1 missile series in Pakistan and capable of nuclear system.

Director General Strategic Plans Division Lieutenant General Khalid Ahmed Kidwai congratulated scientists and engineers on the successful launch.

Pakistan's most recent missile test came last month with the launch of the short-range nuclear-capable Abdali, while in April 2008 it tested the Shaheen II, or Hatf VI, missile with a range of 2,000 kilometres.

Pakistan army also possesses Hatf I, Hatf IX battlefield range ballistic missile (BRBN) which entered service with the Pakistan Army in the early 1990s. It is deployed as an artillery rocket and has been replaced by the improved Hatf IA and Hatf IB, which have a maximum range of 1000 km.