The Pakistan Army was on Monday given shoot-at-sight orders to quell sectarian violence in a town near the border with Afghanistan, where clashes between heavily armed groups of Sunnis and Shias have left 105 people dead.

Announcements were made from mosques in Parachinar, the headquarters of Kurrum tribal agency, for people to remain in their homes following the issuance of shoot-at-sight orders to army troops, Dawn News channel quoted local officials as saying.

Troops are expected to enter the town to quell fighting between members of the two sects, who have used mortars, rockets and heavy weapons in clashes over the past few days.

Residential houses and mosques have been damaged in the intense fighting, which left at least 105 people dead.

The clashes have continued despite an indefinite curfew clamped in Parachinar since Friday and the deployment of army and paramilitary forces in the area.

On Sunday, security forces used two Cobra gunship helicopters to strafe positions held by armed members of the two sects after troops could not enter violence-hit neighbourhoods.

Eleven soldiers were killed and 32 injured in the fighting and the army said its troops were being targeted by both sides.

Reports from Parachinar said clashes between Shias and Sunnis were also reported from other parts of Kurrum agency.

A total of 175 injured civilians have been admitted to hospitals in the region.