Pakistan commends Syria’s transition efforts at UN Security Council

NEW YORK: Pakistan has welcomed what it described as the Syrian government’s prudent approach during a sensitive phase of political and economic transition, and praised efforts aimed at preventing the wider Middle East escalation from spilling into Syria.

Speaking at the United Nations Security Council’s briefings on the humanitarian and political situation in Syria, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said the country’s transition was at a critical stage.

He told the 15-member Council that Pakistan appreciated the Syrian government’s wise policy and efforts to prevent spillover from the broader regional escalation and to keep the country moving toward recovery and stability.

"Our shared priority is a peaceful, prosperous and stable Middle East," Ambassador Asim said during the Security Council session.

Focus on Syria’s political process

The Security Council has been holding its regular monthly briefings on Syria, with recent meetings concentrating on the political process currently under way in the country.

Pakistan’s remarks came as Syria’s political and economic transition remains at what was described as a critical juncture. In that context, Islamabad voiced support for measures intended to shield Syria from the effects of the broader instability in the Middle East and to help maintain momentum toward national recovery.

The statement delivered by Pakistan’s envoy underscored Islamabad’s view that regional stability remains a shared objective, particularly at a time when developments across the Middle East continue to affect multiple countries.

At the Security Council briefing on the humanitarian and political situation in Syria, Ambassador Asim linked Pakistan’s position to the broader goal of peace and stability in the region. He said Pakistan’s priority, along with that of the wider international community, was to support a Middle East that is peaceful, prosperous and stable.

The latest Council discussions on Syria have increasingly centered on the political track, reflecting international attention on the country’s transition process. Pakistan’s intervention at the session highlighted support for continued stability in Syria as it navigates political and economic challenges.

No further details were provided in the report about additional measures discussed during the Council meeting. The Council’s monthly briefings have lately focused on the political process under way in Syria.

Pakistan’s comments at the UN meeting amounted to a diplomatic endorsement of the Syrian government’s handling of a difficult regional environment, particularly its efforts to avoid being drawn deeper into the consequences of the wider Middle East escalation.

The remarks also reflected Pakistan’s stated emphasis on regional peace and stability, as conveyed by its permanent representative during the Security Council briefing.