ISLAMABAD, Dec 31: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said Tuesday Pakistan will work in close cooperation with Iran and Saudi Arabia to encourage all warring Afghan factions to end their conflict, officials said, reports AFP.

The "misunderstanding" with Tehran was removed he met Iranian leaders during the recent summit of the 55-nation Organisation of the Islamic Conference. Sharif said.

Speaking to deputies from his Pakistan Muslim League and allied parties on the eve of presidential elections. Sharif said Pakistan desired restoration of peace in Afghanistan.

A broad-based multi-party dialogue can lead to a durable settlement in the war-ravaged country, he said adding his efforts would soon yield positive results.

"We have no favourites of enemies in Afghanistan, we are friends of Afghans." said Sharif whose government in May recognised the Taliban administration.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are the other two Muslim countries maintaining

diplomatic ties with the Taliban militia which seized Kabul in September last year and now controls two -thirds of Afghanistan.

Sharif also said Pakistan had recently rushed food sup-Rlies and clothing to the Tai

>an opponents in Central Afghanistan's Amiyan province where the Islamic militia s blockade has created a famine-like situation.

He said his government also wanted to resolve the Kashmir issue with India through negotiations but it would not compromise on national interests.

India must give the Kashmiris their "inalienable right of self determination without further delay." he added.

He said, he "forcefully" raised the Kashmir issue during his meetings with Indian leaders and persuaded them for a solution of the dispute.

"We will have to give up the 50 year-old policies and resolve the issue through more comprehensive and effective means." he added.

The two neighbours claiming ownership of the northern Himalayan state have fought three wars.