Key Points
- Pakistan calls for inclusive, Syrian-led political transition process.
- Completion of legislative institutions termed crucial for stability.
- Pakistan backs continued UN engagement in Syria.
- January 30 deal seen as step towards national integration.
- Urges integration of armed groups into national structures.
- Warns foreign fighters remain serious security threat.
- Humanitarian crisis persists, calls for increased global support
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has warned that the Middle East risks slipping into a broader regional escalation, urging that Syria be shielded from destabilising pressures as it attempts to recover from years of conflict.
Addressing a briefing of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), Pakistan’s Permanent Representative Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said Syria stood at a “critical juncture”, facing both serious challenges and emerging opportunities for stabilisation.
“A Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process must move forward in a credible, inclusive and timely manner, and the completion of institutional arrangements — including legislative structures — is essential for long-term stability and legitimacy,” he said.
Ahmad expressed hope for progress in parliamentary arrangements in Syria’s northeast, including the appointment of remaining members of the legislature, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for continued engagement by the United Nations.
He also welcomed the January 30 agreement between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces, describing it as a constructive step towards national integration.
However, he cautioned that its success would depend on sustained dialogue, mutual trust and restraint from actions that could undermine confidence.
On the security front, the Pakistani envoy underlined the importance of integrating armed groups into unified national structures, strengthening border management and intensifying counterterrorism efforts, particularly against Islamic State.
He warned that the continued presence of foreign fighters remained a serious threat requiring coordinated international action.
Turning to the economy, Ahmad noted signs of improvement but described the situation as fragile. He said recent sanctions relief had created space for activity in key sectors such as banking, energy and reconstruction, while cautioning that regional instability could reverse these gains.
He also welcomed steps related to Syria’s central banking operations, urging that emerging opportunities be supported through stronger institutions.
Highlighting the humanitarian situation, he said millions of Syrians continued to face dire conditions and called for increased funding for early recovery efforts, including basic services, infrastructure and livelihoods.
“Israel must end its occupation of the Syrian Golan Heights and respect international agreements, including the 1974 Disengagement Agreement and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.” – Pakistan’s Permanent Representative at the UN
Reiterating Pakistan’s stance on sovereignty, Ahmad said, “Israel must end its occupation of the Syrian Golan Heights and respect international agreements, including the 1974 Disengagement Agreement and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.”
He urged sustained international engagement and constructive regional cooperation to support Syria’s unity and rebuild state institutions, saying these efforts were essential for achieving durable peace.
Ahmad also called on the Security Council to remain mindful of the broader regional context and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for an immediate cessation of hostilities and peaceful resolution of disputes.
He informed the Council that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is visiting Riyadh to attend a meeting of regional foreign ministers aimed at pushing for a swift end to ongoing conflicts and a return to dialogue and diplomacy.
