KABUL, July 22: Hundreds of civilians were fleeing towns north of the Afghan capital as fierce fighting raged between Taliban and opposition forces, but the frontlines remained unchanged, witnesses reported today.

Medical workers reported an overnight attack by fighters loyal to anti-Taliban strongman Ahmed Shah Masood on the town of Qarabagh, but said the offensive was repulsed.

``Masood's men entered Qarabagh last night by pushing down the main road, but they have been beaten back. People are getting out because of the incoming artillery,'' an aid worker returning from the front reported.

The stretch of main road leading south from the frontline was lined with up to 1,000 local villagers evacuating the battle zone carrying whatever possessions they could manage in the summer heat.

``The fighting is still going on and a number of opposition bodies are lying in the road. The frontlines are back at yesterday's positions,'' the aid worker, who requested anonymity, added.

In Peshwar, Pakistan, the bodies of six pro-Taliban Pakistani volunteers killed in fighting north of Kabul were brought here yesterday and sent back to their homes.

Many young Pakistani from religious schools, inspired by the Taliban's mission to establish Islamic Sharia Law throughout Afghanistan, are believed to have joined the militia. Taliban leaders have acknowledged the presence of Pakistani volunteers, but stressed they had entered on their own.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.