Pakistan on N-test alert

PAKISTAN has been making final preparations for an underground nuclear test following the five tests by India two weeks ago, US intelligence officials said yesterday. But the Pakistani government has assured the United States that it has not yet opted to go ahead despite the preparations.

Meanwhile, the US and other powers have persuaded the World Bank to postpone consideration of more than $800m (pounds 500m) in development loans to India in protest against its nuclear testing.

Agencies