BRUSSELS: Attacks by insurgents in eastern Afghanistan have risen sharply, NATO said Wednesday, expressing concerns that Pakistani agreements with the Taliban may be creating safe havens for militants.NATO spokesman James Appathurai said attacks were up 50 percent in April compared to the same period last year, a significant jump that could indicate the militants are getting help on the Pakistani side of the border.
``The principle concern is ... the deals being struck between the Pakistani government and extremist groups in the tribal areas may be allowing them - the extremists - to have safe havens, rest, reconstitute and then move across the border,'' he said.
Appathurai said the alliance would take up the issue of militants afe havens with Pakistani authorities. He said NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer plans to travel to Islamabad soon for talks with the Pakistani government.