ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Asim Iftikhar, expressed cautious optimism during a United Nations Security Council briefing on the situation in Syria on Friday regarding recent developments, while underscoring the complexity of the challenges facing the country.
Ambassador Iftikhar welcomed the 30 January agreement between the Syrian Government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), voicing hope that its faithful implementation would bring stability and strengthen Syria’s unity and territorial integrity.
He noted that over the past 14 months, notable steps have been taken to advance Syria’s political transition.
Although gradual and intricate, these measures reflect movement toward stabilization after years of conflict.
He emphasized the importance of continuing this trajectory in a steady and inclusive manner, anchored in national ownership, reinforcing state institutions, consolidating security and creating conditions conducive to durable peace.
Constructive steps
In this context, Ambassador Iftikhar also appreciated recent state initiatives, including the 16 January presidential decree concerning the rights of the Kurdish community, describing them as constructive steps toward national cohesion.
At the same time, Ambassador Iftikhar stressed that significant challenges persist.
He warned that the threat of terrorism remains acute, citing the continued presence and activities of terrorist groups, including foreign terrorist fighters, especially ETIM, as serious risks to Syria’s stability and regional security.
He called for these elements to be addressed in a coordinated and effective manner, consistent with international law and relevant Security Council resolutions.
Counter-terrorism efforts, he said, must remain precise and focused, without conflating state institutions with non-state actors, and detention facilities holding terrorists must be managed and transitioned responsibly to prevent instability or spillover.
Humanitarian situation
He also highlighted the dire humanitarian situation, with millions of Syrians in need of sustained assistance as infrastructure, basic services, and livelihoods remain under severe strain.
Ensuring safe and unimpeded humanitarian access, alongside enhanced early recovery support, he said, is essential to alleviate suffering and restore dignity.
With the lifting of sanctions, he noted, there is an opportunity to gradually shift toward revitalizing economic and commercial activity to enable meaningful recovery.
Ambassador Iftikhar strongly condemned violations of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement and other destabilizing actions by Israel, calling them unacceptable.
He stressed the need for full respect for existing agreements and for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, urging the Council to ensure Israel’s full withdrawal from occupied Syrian territory in compliance with its resolutions.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s solidarity with the Government and people of Syria, he said the country would continue to engage constructively in support of a stable, unified, and sovereign Syria.
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