The Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir has told how Britain and the Western world hold the key to peace between India and Pakistan.

At a civic reception at Bradford's City Hall, barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudry said the two warring countries could not find a solution alone.

His comments followed talks with Foreign Secretary Robin Cook during a week-long visit to Britain, while India continues to launch air strikes against the Pakistani Army along the border which splits Kashmir.

He said: "It is very serious and dangerous in Kashmir. The bad thing is, it is still escalating. I can't see there will be an easing of tension unless there is international intervention.

"Keeping in mind both countries are nuclear powers, it is a very dangerous situation and the lives of a billion people are at stake."

The majority of Bradford's large Asian population originate from the disputed territory of Azad Kashmir.

Mr Chaudry appealed on their and their families' behalf, saying: "It is my people who are suffering. It looks like war between India and Pakistan but it is the people of Kashmir who are at the forefront."

It was reported yesterday that ten children were killed when a school was hit by Indian air fire 70 miles from the conflict zone.

Mr Chaudry, who returns to his office in Islamabad, Pakistan today, said: "India has been saying it is targeting the infiltrators but how can these schoolchildren be infiltrators?"

Mr Chaudry, a former Bradford University student, was invited to the reception at City Hall following his hospitality towards former Lord Mayor Tony Miller during the first civic visit to the rural area of Azad Kashmir in February.

Hundreds of supporters, carrying Pakistani flags and letting off firecrackers, thronged Centenary Square to welcome him.

During speeches inside the council chamber, Mr Chaudry invited Bradford's newly appointed Lord Mayor, Harry Mason, to visit Mirpur.

Bradford Council leader Councillor Ian Greenwood said there would not be peace over Kashmir until the people of the disputed region were given the right of a self-determination vote.

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