A leading North West organisation has urged the government to focus its energies on the Kashmir situation rather than go to war with Iraq.

The North West Pakistani Kashmiri Councillors Forum unanimously agreed to oppose any war against Iraq without the approval of the United Nations.

The Forum brings together more than 60 leading councillors from all over the North West.

Chairman, Manchester Councillor Afzal Khan, said, "We oppose our government's action of supporting America in an unjust war. Any action against Iraq without the express authority of the UN could jeopardise world peace and will only lead to short-term gain and long-term pain.

"Instead we urge our Prime Minister to use the energy and resources of the government in tackling the problems of Palestine and Kashmir."

He added, "The Pakistani and Kashmiri community would like our government to spend billions of pounds on the public services rather than on war".