Islamabad, July 10: Despite telephone talks between Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai and his Pakistan counterpart Pervez Musharraf, border tension continued between the two countries even as their security forces once again exchanged heavy fire. Reports from the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) and the Muhammad tribal agency that bordered along with Afghanistan said that Afghanistan and Pakistan forces exchanged firing yesterday. The two sides have been firing intermittently at each other for several days.

As the dispute over border dispute persisted, Pakistani troops again exchanged heavy fire with the Afghan militia at the Yaqubi Kandao area of Mohmand agency, local daily 'The News' said today.

The incidents of firing, which began ever since Pakistan moved its troops to Muhammad tribal agency few weeks ago continued even after Musharraf and Karzai spoke over the phone to discuss the situation arising out of the attack on the Pakistan embassy in Kabul by an irate mob two days ago. According to official media reports here Karzai has apologised for the attack on the embassy and agreed to pay compensation as most of the equipment and furniture was destroyed in the attack, which was the fourth such incident in the last 15 years.

As Pakistan moved its troops, Afghanistan alleged that Pakistani troops moved 46 km deep into afghan territory.

Bureau Report