The New York Times reported on Monday that George Bush, the US president, had decided to send an unusually tough message to Musharraf, warning him that the newly-elected Democratic US Congress could cut aid unless his forces were far more aggressive in hunting down operatives with al Qaeda.

Taliban forces and elements of al Qaeda, blamed for the September 11 attacks on the United States, are suspected of operating from the remote mountainous border area between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Frustration

The United States has about 27,000 troops in Afghanistan, of which about 15,000 are in the NATO force and the rest on missions ranging from counter-terrorism to training.

Although Bush publicly praises Musharraf's support on counter-terrorism, US officials have voiced frustration over Taliban sanctuaries on the Pakistani side of the porous border with Afghanistan.

Experts say the Taliban has a virtual mini-state in northern Pakistan, using a recent peace deal with Islamabad to expand suicide-bomber training and fortifying its alliance with al Qaeda.

Bush has been criticised for pursuing war in Iraq at the expense of Afghanistan, a charge the administration denies.

His new push in Afghanistan has solid support in Congress, unlike his plan to send another 21,500 US troops to Iraq, which has drawn ferocious opposition from Democrats.