warheads which could reach targets up to 500 km and believed to be a match to India's Brahmos missile.

Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf described the successful launch of Hatf VII Babur as a "major milestone" in the country's nuclear programme.

"Our scientists and engineers have once again done the nation proud by mustering a rare technology," he said.

Without naming India, he said the test would reflect the country's resolve to meet emerging challenges and geo-strategic developments in its neighbourhood.

With the successful test of the missile, Pakistan has joined a select group of countries which have the capability to design and develop cruise missiles, a defence ministry statement said.

The "terrain hugging missile" has the most advanced and modern navigation and guidance system and a high degree of manoeuvrability, the statement saidKashmir, the tale of love and revenge is sure to stir up a fresh controversy for the author who was forced to hide from an Islamic ‘fatwa’ after the publication of “The Satanic Verses”.

“Shalimar the Clown” details the transformation of a young Muslim boy from a shy teenager to Islamic terrorist under the guidance of a radical mullah.

The shortlist will be announced on September 8 and the winner of the £50,000 prize on October 10.

In all, four former Booker winners and three first-time novelists are among the 17 authors vying for the award.