ISLAMABAD, Oct 5: The government vowed to forge ahead with its defence policy of “minimum deterrence,” amidst a barrage of international condemnation on Saturday of its pre-election testing of a nuclear capable missile.

“Pakistan will continue to follow its policy of minimum deterrence,” Information Minister Nisar Memon told AFP on Friday, immediately after India responded with a test of its medium range surface-to-air missile.

“It is the cornerstone of our defence policy,” he said.

The dual testing by the nuclear arch-rivals comes amid a resurgence of tensions over Kashmir.

The United States, Britain, Canada, and Japan have mounted a chorus of condemnation against the tests.

The Indian testing came nine hours after Pakistan test-launched its home-grown Hatf IV or Shaheen surface-to-surface missile, with a range of 800km, meaning it can penetrate deep into Indian territory.

Both countries informed each other in advance and claimed success in their respective tests.

Indian leaders have been levelling accusations against Pakistan following killings in the occupied Kashmir during elections for a state assembly.

Pakistan denies giving more than diplomatic and moral support, and accuses Indian troops of violently suppressing Kashmiris.

The military said the Shaheen, test-fired at 8:30am in the desert areas of Balochistan, “successfully” hit its dummy target.

Inter-Services Public Relations Director-General Maj-Gen Rashid Qureshi launched into a tirade against “Indian aggression” after the Shaheen test.

“India cannot divide the people of Pakistan, who stand united to face any Indian aggression,” he told reporters during a visit to Multan.

“India will not be able to bear heavy losses in case she tries to impose war on Pakistan,” he was quoted as saying.

Qureshi accused India of trying to blackmail Pakistan “by levelling false allegations against us,” in reference to the blame hoisted on Pakistan by New Delhi over the Kashmir poll violence.

“India cannot blackmail Pakistan at any moment. Pakistan can never accept any pressure from Indian rulers,” the general declared.—AFP