WASHINGTON, March 9 (UPI) -- Pakistan's missile test Tuesday is a display of the country's intention to keep its nuclear weapons, experts say.
Soon after testing testing long-range Shaheen-II missile, Pakistan also announced it has no intention of rolling back its nuclear program.
The test was an act of "affirmation that Pakistan is going to hold on" to its nuclear arsenal, says Michael Krepon, founding president the Henry L. Stimson Center, a Washington think-tank.
Robert Einhorn, a senior adviser for international security at Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies, believes the test was "completely independent of the controversy involving Pakistani scientists who exported nuclear materials to Iran, Libya and North Korea."
By testing the missile, Pakistanis made it clear that "they want to continue to pursue their deterrence capability. It's an indication that they are moving forward," said Einhorn.
Shaheen-II has a range of 1,200 miles, exceeding the range of Pakistan's previous longest-range missile that could travel up to 930 miles.
Both missiles are capable of carrying nuclear weapons.
Pakistani defense experts said Shaheen-II could reach such Indian cities as Calcutta and Madras, which previously were out of Pakistan's reach.
