United Nations, April 25, 2025 — Pakistan has stated that sanctions remain a major impediment to Syria’s recovery. It further said that with over 80% of the population living below the poverty line and with the economy in crisis, unilateral coercive measures severely constrain humanitarian efforts and post-conflict reconstruction. Delivering a statement during the UN Security Council briefing on the political and humanitarian situation in Syria, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, said that these measures limit access to essential goods, services, and financial resources. “In light of the evolving ground realities, we urge a comprehensive reassessment of these sanctions, which must not hinder humanitarian relief or national recovery,” he demanded. Ambassador Asim Iftikhar said that Pakistan is concerned about the protracted conflict in Syria and its profound humanitarian and regional consequences. He suggested the need for a comprehensive approach to address the crisis, one that acknowledges the interlinked challenges facing the Syrian people. While welcoming the formation of Syria’s new government, Ambassador Asim said that this step has filled the constitutional vacuum and restored a legitimate framework for international engagement. He said that Pakistan continues to support a Syrian-owned and Syrian-led political inclusive process based on the principles contained in Security Council resolution 2254. “We recognize regional and international efforts aimed at facilitating Syria’s peaceful transition and reintegration into the international community, and urge that all these efforts be aligned solidly behind the overall shared objective of durable peace and stability in Syria,” he added. The Pakistan UN Ambassador said that stability in Syria hinges on the unification of its military and security institutions, arguing at the same time that there is a need to remain vigilant against terrorism. He demanded that the UN sanctions regime should be reviewed to ensure that it supports humanitarian and reconstruction efforts while maintaining safeguards against the resurgence of terrorist groups and their affiliates. While reiterating respect for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar said that Pakistan is deeply alarmed by the continued and intensified Israeli airstrikes on Syrian territory and statements about a long-term military presence in southern Syria. He said that these actions constitute blatant violations of international law and relevant Security Council resolutions. Pakistan also strongly condemned these violations by Israel and called for full compliance with the 1974 Disengagement Agreement. The Ambassador said that Israel’s occupation of the Syrian Golan Heights remains illegal. In line with Security Council resolution 497, it is null and void. He asked the Security Council to demand Israel’s complete withdrawal from the occupied Golan Heights. Mentioning the dire humanitarian situation in Syria, Ambassador Asim said that over 16.5 million people require assistance with nearly 40% of hospitals and over 50% of primary healthcare facilities rendered non-functional. He said that the scale of this suffering calls for urgent and sustained international assistance. Ambassador Asim said that after years of conflict and suffering Syria stands at a pivotal juncture. He said that the recent political developments present an opportunity for unity, peace and reconstruction, adding that we are hopeful that the new Syrian leadership will chart a course toward inclusivity, stability, and prosperity.