HIGHLIGHTS: 'Tests Technical & Not Linked to Standoff with India, 'Islamabad||India Says Not Impressed by Missile "Antics"||Patten Says Situation on 'A knife edge'||STORY: Pakistan test fired a medium-range missile on Saturday capable of dropping nuclear warheads on the main cities of rival India in what some analysts saw as a defiant gesture likely to stoke tensions.

Pakistani president and military leader General Pervez Musharraf said the test, on the anniversary of the birth of Islam's Prophet Mohammad, was successful.

The test of the Pakistani-developed surface-to-surface Ghauri, or Hatf-V, is the first of a series lasting until Tuesday that Pakistan says is routine and unrelated to what the United States has called a very dangerous confrontation between the nuclear-armed neighbors.

But it comes at a time of heightened tension and a military standoff between the South Asian rivals over the disputed Himalayan territory of Kashmir that have raised fears of war.

India, brushing off the significance of the missile tests, said Pakistan had informed it that short- and medium-range missiles would be tested.

"The government of India is not particularly impressed by these missile antics, clearly targeted at the domestic audience in Pakistan," an Indian statement said.

The test plans were disclosed after the Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee left the capital for a break of several days.
European Union External Affairs Commissioner Chris Patten, the first of a string of top level envoys visiting the subcontinent in the latest international peace push, said in New Delhi on Friday the situation was on a "knife edge."

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Although India and Pakistan have said they do not intend to conduct further nuclear tests they carry out missile tests on a regular basis. Pakistan has test launched its Shaheen I and Ghauri I and II missiles, the latter with a range of 2,500km. Work is in progress on a Ghauri III with a 3,000km range. India has already test fired its 8.5 million US dollar Agni II missile. This has a range of 2,500km, meaning it could hit anywhere in Pakistan and worry China too. It is now preparing to test its Agni III, reported to have a 3,500km range which could get it to Beijing.