ISLAMABAD, Jan 25: Pakistan favours a policy of restraint in the region and will test-fire a series of its missiles when it is “technically required”.

“We test when it is technically required in the process of development and validation of our missile capabilities,” a spokesman for the Foreign Office said on Friday.

Reacting to the test of Agni missile by India, which is capable of carrying nuclear warheads, the spokesman said: “Our missile programme follows the logic of technical requirements.”

The spokesman said that Pakistan had the means to defend itself. The government had noted the Indian test of the Agni missile, said the spokesman, adding that the Indian side had given an advance notice about the test which had been described as “un-provocative.”

He said the test came at a time when tensions were running high with Indian forces massed all along the borders. “We hope the international community will take note of this Indian behaviour, which is prejudicial to the pursuit of stability in our region, especially during the current situation.”

“On its part, Pakistan favours a policy of restraint in the region,” he added.