KOHAT, Aug 25: Padshah Khan Zadran, who is currently holding fort against Afghan President Hamid Karzai in Khost, has refused the offer of governorship of Paktika province and vowed to continue struggle until the Pakhtoons were given their due share in power.

Talking to Dawn here, Amanullah Khan Zadran, the younger brother of Padshah Khan Zadran, former governor of Paktia province, while legitimising their stance, said that Pakhtoons, who formed 60 per cent of the population of the country, should be given fair representation in the central government.

Amanullah said that the Karzai government was trying to create rift among the Pakhtoons to weaken them by appointing controversial leaders on key posts and allotting areas to their warlords. For example the Karzai government recently gave control of five areas in the Paktia province to various Pakhtoon groups.

Earlier, a single group comprising 1000 armed men controlled the area. He said the whole exercise to dominate the Pakhtoon majority areas by the northern alliance was creating hatred against them in the whole country.

He disclosed that he was also offered a ministerial post in the central government which he had accepted after consultations with the local elders.

The decision was taken by a local Shoora which held two-day negotiations with the representatives of president Karzai in Khost.

He vowed that if the Karzai government failed to give them due rights they would snatch them by force what come may.

After spending a night here Amanullah left for Islamabad for holding talks with the Pakistani and US officials.

Padshah Khan Zadran remained the governor of Paktia province during the Taliban rule but was replaced by president Karzai last year which sparked infighting among various aspirants for the post.