Pakistani workers killed in Afghanistan attack

Five Pakistani construction workers have been shot dead by unidentified gunmen on motorcycles in southern Afghanistan, officials say.

Another Pakistani was injured in the attack. The workers were waiting for transport to take them to a road-building project in Kandahar province.

Correspondents say there has been a marked increase in attacks on foreign civilians over the past year.

An anti-Taliban offensive is underway in neighbouring Helmand province.

Afghan, US and Nato leaders have also signalled their intention to target militants based in Kandahar province.

One report said that the victims were working for an international construction company on a project to repair a road connecting Kandahar city to Panjwayi district.