PESHAWAR, July 4: With continuous exchange of fire between the forces of Afghan Commander Hazrat Ali and the Pakistani forces at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Mohmand Agency, tension continued in the area over the establishment of checkpoints by Pakistani forces.

Eyewitnesses claimed that helicopters, flying from the headquarters of Mohmand Rifles, had been patrolling the area, especially Ghakai Kandao and Gosari Kandao.

The tension in the areas situated on both sides of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border started a few days back when the Pakistani forces established checkpoints in the hitherto inaccessible areas of Mohmand Agency.

The Pakistani flag was hoisted on various checkpoints for the first time since the creation of Pakistan.

No confirmed reports of casualties are available. However, there were rumours about the arrest of some officials of Afghan militia loyal to Commander Hazrat Ali.

The administration at the agency’s headquarters did not confirm those reports, saying they had no knowledge of any arrest or casualties.