Pakistan accused of helping Taleban

Pakistan's intelligence agency was yesterday accused by Nato's commander in Kabul of helping the Taleban pursue the insurgency in Afghanistan.

US General David McKiernan said there had been a 50 per cent hike in attacks in some areas this year.

The number of foreign fighters, including Europeans, is also increasing while Nato's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) still lacks the soldiers it needs.

"There certainly is a level of ISI complicity in the militant areas in Pakistan and organisations such as the Taleban," the four-star general said, echoing allegations by Afghan President Hamid Karzai and others.