MUZAFFARABAD, May 20: Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan, president of the Muslim Conference and AJK Legislative Assembly member, has called upon the international coalition against terrorism to pressurize India to stop killings in both parts of Kashmir and agree for a negotiated settlement of the Kashmir dispute in the interest of global peace.

Talking to journalists here on Monday, he remarked that as Pakistan’s was a key role in the international coalition’s war against terrorism, and the coalition must protect the country’s legitimate interests in the region.

“Pakistan must be rewarded for its exemplary role in the post-Sept 11 situation. It would be unfortunate if the coalition countries keep Islamabad at par with New Delhi, notwithstanding the negative conduct of the latter,” Mr Khan said.

“If the international coalition cannot reward Pakistan, then, at least, it must take steps to support Islamabad against the hegemonic designs of its eastern neighbour. The coalition should pressurize New Delhi to refrain from taking aggressive actions and committing genocide in occupied Kashmir.”

The AJK lawmaker noted that irrespective of its internal problems, Pakistan had stood by the international coalition in tough times.

He demanded that the country should not be dealt with in view of its small size as compared to India, but because of its previous conduct and strategic importance.

“The coalition must bear in mind that Pakistan’s role in Afghanistan has not finished,” he said, adding that if the world stood on one side, peace could not be established in Afghanistan without (the support of) Pakistan.

Regarding the situation along the Line of Control, he said India had unleashed an “undeclared war” along the cease-fire line, but the people of Azad Kashmir were fully capable to thwart the evil designs of the enemy.

“In case of war, people of both parts of Kashmir will fight the Indian forces jointly,” Mr Khan said and asked the AJK government and the opposition parties to realize that the India had completed its preparations for launching an attack on the AJK.

“The current situation warrants for complete unity in our ranks and we should bury our internal conflicts or at least keep them pending for some other time,” he said.