ISLAMABAD -- A Pakistan-based Iranian diplomat said a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan was in the interest of both Iran and Pakistan.

Khadim Abbas Haqeeqat, Iranian consul general in Quetta told journalists at a function in Baluchistan provincial capital that the Afghan situation had badly affected Iran and Pakistan.

Haqeeqat said both the neighboring countries of Afghanistan were hosting millions of refugees, due to the war and instability in Afghanistan.

However, he said peace could only be restored in Afghanistan if outside interference in the internal affairs of that country is stopped.

The Iranian diplomat called for allowing the Afghan people to resolve their problems themselves.

"Afghan people should be allowed to resolve their problems by themselves, according to their traditions and customs," Haqeeqat said.

He also urged the warring Afghan factions to end fighting and come to the negotiating table for finding a solution to their problem.

About the issue of Kashmir, the Iranian diplomat said the problem should be resolved according to the United Nations resolutions and "the Kashmiri people be allowed to make decision about their future."

(IRNA)