Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad today called for third party intervention to help avert war between nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan.

"We don't agree with war, we don't approve of confrontational methods. So I appeal to them (India and Pakistan) to negotiate.

"And if it cannot be resolved between the two of them, there should be a third party that can help make the decisions," said Mahathir, declining to say who would be most appropriate for the role of mediator.

"It could be the United States, Russia or even the United Nations."

Malaysia on Sunday advised families of diplomats and non-essential staff to leave India and Pakistan as soon as possible, following a similar move by the the United Nations over the weekend.

Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar had said Malaysia was following with great concern the escalating tension between the two countries over the disputed Kashmir region.