Officials in northwest Pakistan say suspected militants have launched a rocket attack on a paramilitary base, killing three soldiers and wounding at least 23 others.

Authorities say the rockets hit a base in Miranshah, the main town in North Waziristan's restive tribal area, as Independence Day ceremonies got underway.

Washington is pressing Islamabad to launch an all-out military offensive in the tribal districts to crack down on various Islamist militant outfits active in Pakistan and across the border in Afghanistan.