Saturday, July 1 2006 12:20 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Islamabad: Pakistan has reversed a decision to station 10,000 more troops on its volatile border with Afghanistan, saying the present strength of 78,000 is adequate.

The announcement by Interior Minister Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao reverses the one made by Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri two days ago in the presence of visiting US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

Sherpao made the announcement in the presence of US Ambassador to Pakistan Ryan C. Crocker at the Sihala Police Training Centre here, the Daily Times reported.

Kasuri had made the announcement after discussions with Rice, who was here to supervise the on-going anti-Taliban operations.