ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office reiterated on Monday that the Kashmir dispute is the core issue that remains unresolved between Pakistan and India.
In a statement, Foreign Office Spokesman Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry expressed disappointment at the comments by the Indian external affairs minister Salman Khurshid on the status of Jammu and Kashmir.
“It is unfortunate that Indian leadership continues to refer to the state of Jammu and Kashmir as an integral part of India‚ when the reality is clearly otherwise,” Chaudhry said.
In an interview to Indian media, Khurshid said “Kashmir was an integral part of India and no-one should raise a question on that. It is a waste of time for anybody no matter how eminent to be even trying to question it.”
Khurshid’s remarks came following media reports on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s statement in which the latter demanded of the US to play its role for the resolution of Kashmir issue.
“As a member of the United Nations‚ India should not overlook or undermine the numerous UN Security Council resolutions on this issue,” Chaudhry said. “While bilateral agreements may exist‚ the sanctity of the UN resolutions cannot be understated.”
Chaudhry said the Kashmir dispute remains a fundamental component of the bilateral dialogue process and resolution of this dispute is vital for maintaining peace and security in the region.
“India’s continued intransigence over this issue is counter-productive and is unhelpful in the efforts to resolve this dispute,” he said.
The spokesman said Pakistan remains committed to a purposeful‚ constructive and result-oriented dialogue with India and believes that serious efforts need to be made in maintaining a positive atmosphere and avoid negative propaganda.
