The Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations
(Information Section)
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Press Release
Pakistan Calls for End to External Aggression and Support for Syria’s Sovereignty
United Nations, September 19, 2025: Pakistan has warned that after more than a decade of devastating conflict, the delay will squander Syria’s fragile chance for peace, urging the Security Council to back inclusive politics, economic revival, security stabilization, and an end to foreign occupation.
Addressing the UN Security Council briefing on the situation in Syria, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, noted that after years of incessant conflict and human suffering, the Syrian people continue to endure “destruction, displacement, and hardship on an unimaginable scale.”
He stressed that despite these immense challenges, recent developments present “a glimmer of hope” that must be consolidated, with the Council bearing a special responsibility in this regard.
Ambassador Asim outlined four key priorities to advance peace and stability in Syria.
First, he voiced that the political transition must be credible, inclusive, and nationally owned. Referring to the parliamentary elections scheduled for this month, he reminded the Council that these should serve as “a stepping stone toward broader national reconciliation,” pressing that all political and social groups must have a genuine stake in shaping Syria’s future.
Second, he welcomed the lifting of several sanctions on Syria, describing it as an important opportunity to harness the potential of the Syrian people and its diaspora. He underscored that investment in construction, technology, and other productive sectors could drive reconstruction, generate employment, and revitalize the economy – indispensable to achieving durable peace.
Third, he highlighted the inseparability of Syria’s stability and security. While appreciating the ongoing efforts by Syria, Jordan, and the United States to stabilize Suweidah and southern Syria, he cautioned that fragility persisted in several areas still, and that terrorist groups and foreign fighters continue to pose a serious threat to Syria and the region. He called for a comprehensive approach combining political and security measures, encompassing disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) reforms.
Fourth, he reiterated Pakistan’s call for an end to all forms of external aggression against Syria, including the reversal of the occupation of Syrian territory since December 2024. He further demanded the cessation of the occupation of the Syrian Golan, that too, in full compliance with international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, calling for strict observation of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.
Ambassador Asim stressed that Syria’s road to peace requires sustained international solidarity, respect for its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and consistent, tangible support to meet humanitarian and economic challenges. Reaffirming Pakistan’s principled position, he said: “We will continue to support all efforts aimed at consolidating a sovereign, unified, inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous Syria.”
The Council, he underlined, must not allow this fragile opportunity for peace to slip away, stressing that its credibility rests on its ability to act decisively in moments of profound consequence. Only through urgent, collective, and sustained action can the promise of peace, dignity, and stability for Syria be realized.
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