At UN, Pakistan urges Syria to stay on path of inclusive political transition

UNITED NATIONS: Welcoming the recent agreement between the Syrian Government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-led coalition of left-wing ethnic militias, Pakistan urged Syria to stay on the path of inclusive political transition leading to a stable and unified country.

“We expect that its faithful implementation will bring stability and strengthen Syria’s unity and territorial integrity,” Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, permanent representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, said in the UN Security Council, which debated the situation in Syria.

“Over the past fourteen months, notable steps have been taken in advancing Syria’s political transition. Gradual and intricate, these measures nevertheless reflect movement towards stabilization after years of conflict,” he said.

“We hope to see this trajectory continue in a steady and inclusive manner, anchored in national ownership, reinforcing state institutions, consolidating security, and creating conditions conducive for durable peace.”

In this regard, the Pakistani envoy also lauded recent state initiatives, including the 16 January presidential decree concerning the rights of the Kurdish community, as constructive steps toward national cohesion.

At the same time, Ambassador Asim Ahmad said that significant challenges persist.

“The threat of terrorism remains acute. Continued presence and activities of terrorist groups, including foreign terrorist fighters, especially ETIM, pose serious risks to Syria’s stability and regional security,” he said, emphasizing that these elements must be addressed in a coordinated and effective manner, consistent with international law and relevant Security Council resolutions.

“Counter-terrorism efforts must remain precise and focused, without conflating state institutions with non-state actors. It is equally important that detention facilities holding terrorists are managed and transitioned responsibly to prevent instability or spillover.”