ISLAMABAD: Expressing disappointment at comments by Indian Foreign Minister Salman Khurshid on the status of Jammu & Kashmir, a foreign office spokesman of Pakistan Monday said the dispute was the core issue between the two South Asia neighbours.

The spokesman said it was unfortunate that the Indian leadership continued to refer to the state of Jammu and Kashmir as an integral part of India, when the reality was clearly otherwise.

As a member of the United Nations, India should not overlook or undermine the numerous UN Security Council resolutions on the issue, he added.

In an interview to NDTV on Sunday, Khurshid had said it would be a waste of time to question Delhi’s claim over the troubled region. He also voiced concern over ceasefire violations at the Line of Control and hoped these do not result in any more casualties.

“There is no way in which India will accept any intervention on an issue that is entirely accepted in the Simla Agreement as a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan,” he added referring to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s suggestion for US mediation in the Kashmir dispute.

The Pakistani spokesman said while bilateral agreements might exist, the sanctity of the United Nations resolutions could not be understated.

He said the Kashmir dispute remained a fundamental component of the bilateral dialogue process and resolution of the issue was vital for maintaining peace and security in the region.

“India's continued intransigence over this issue is counterproductive and is unhelpful in the efforts to resolve this dispute,” said the spokesman.

“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.”