Sectarian Violence in Pakistan

At least four people have been killed and several others injured in clashes between Sunnis and Shias in the North-West Frontier province in Pakistan.

The two sides have taken up positions on hilltops south of the city of Peshawar, with mortars and rocket launchers, exchanging fire.

The fighting began when Sunnis objected to the Shias' visiting a shrine of a revered spritual leader.

The Provincial Home Secretary, Syed Mazhar Ali Shah, told the BBC that routes into the area have been blocked to prevent more people from joining the fighting.

Mr Shah denied there had been casualties among Frontier Corps militiamen sent to restore order. The government later issued a statement saying a tribal council of Sunni and Shia elders was trying to effect a ceasefire.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service