Pakistan on Sunday reinforced its military position along its sealed border with Afghanistan after reports that the Taliban was stepping up military preparations for an anticipated US attack on Afghanistan.

Senior officials said they expected a US delegation to arrive in Islamabad within the next few days to discuss what logistical assistance Pakistan could provide to any US military operation.

The US delegation, which is expected to include intelligence officials seeking military details on Afghanistan from Pakistan's Inter-Services Agency, Islamabad's equivalent of the CIA, follows Washington's decision to lift all nuclear-related sanctions on Pakistan and India at the weekend.

A senior Pakistan official said the country would work closely with the US to minimise the chances that any US military strike on Afghanistan would result in civilian casualties.

Islamabad is particularly worried about stability in the country's north-west frontier province, home to the tribal Pathans who belong to the same ethnic group as the Taliban leadership in Kabul.

Officials say they will insist that the US publicise any evidence against Osama bin Laden before taking military action against Afghanistan. Pakistan is expected to provide airspace and transit facilities.