The Pakistani prime minister, Youssef Raza Gilani, told the BBC on Sunday it could be weeks before Pakistan lifts its blockade of Nato convoys carrying supplies to Afghanistan.

Getting hundreds of thousands of foreign troops and equipment in and out of the landlocked country can be a logistical nightmare.

One alternative to Pakistan is the Manas airbase in Kyrgyzstan which has been used for years.

However, this option will disappear from 2014 when the lease is due to expire.

Natalia Antelava reports from the Manas airbase.