Pak holds talks with ISAF to prevent cross-border attacks

The issue of cross-border incursions into Pakistan has been "raised on several occasions" with the ISAF and the government of Afghanistan, Foreign Office spokesman Moazzam Khan said.

"Cross-border attacks into Pakistan are under active discussion with ISAF, including through the border coordination mechanism, as part of the ongoing coordination and cooperation between Pakistan and ISAF based on mutual respect and mutual interest," he said.

The most recent major cross-border attacks took place in Dir and Bajaur areas on June 24 and July 12, respectively, Khan said.

"These cross border attacks were successfully repulsed. Special care was exercised to limit fire only to areas from where the terrorists attacked our border posts," he said.

The cross-border attacks have emerged as a major irritant in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations.

Pakistani officials have said the attacks were carried out by Pakistani Taliban fighters who are sheltering in Kunar and Nuristan provinces of Afghanistan.

Afghan officials have protested against shelling from the Pakistani side, saying artillery shells and rockets have hit several villages along the border.