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Pakistan warns Afghanistan about deal with India

Pakistan warned Afghanistan against anymore regional ``point scoring’’ on Thursday after Kabul signed a pact with Islamabad’s archenemy New Delhi that some fear could prompt Pakistan to strengthen its alleged support for Afghan insurgents.

ISLAMABAD — Pakistan warned Afghanistan against anymore regional ``point scoring’’ on Thursday after Kabul signed a pact with Islamabad’s archenemy New Delhi that some fear could prompt Pakistan to strengthen its alleged support for Afghan insurgents.

Pakistan is under increasing American pressure to cut ties with militants that it is widely believed to be holding onto for use as potential partners against Indian influence in Afghanistan once Washington withdraws its combat troops in 2014.

The strategic partnership signed by Afghan President Hamid Karzai on a visit to India on Tuesday added to concerns in Islamabad that New Delhi was increasing its influence on Pakistan’s western flank. The deal came at a sensitive time for Islamabad, which is facing renewed accusations by U.S. and Afghan officials of collusion with militants in attacks on Afghan soil.

In Pakistan’s first reaction to the deal, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Tehmina Janjua said “this is no time for point scoring, playing politics or grandstanding.’’