Pakistan commends Syrian efforts toward recovery & stability amid Mideast escalation

UNITED NATIONS, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Apr, 2026) With Syria's political and economic transition at a critical juncture, Pakistan has commended Syrian government's "wise policy and efforts" to prevent spillover from the wider middle East escalation and keep the country on the path toward recovery and stability.

'Our shared priority is a peaceful, prosperous and stable Middle East,' Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, permanent representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, told the UN Security Council briefings on the 'Humanitarian and Political Situation in Syria'.

The 15-member Council’s monthly briefings on Syria have focused lately on the political process underway there after the new Government, which ousted former President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, took power.

In November 2025, the Council adopted Council resolution 2799 (2025) by which it decided to remove Syria’s transitional President, Ahmed al-Sharaa, and transitional Minister for Interior, Anas Hasan Khattab, from the list of individuals targeted by sanctions. However, armed clashes in Syria's Sweida province in July 2025, as well as the dire humanitarian situation in the country, have posed challenges to the new Government.

In his remarks, Ambassador Asim Ahmad said Pakistan supported a credible, inclusive and timely Syrian-owned and Syrian-led political process, supported by the constructive role of the United Nations, which remains the viable path forward.

On the internal front, the Pakistani envoy noted progress following the 30 January agreement between the Government and the Syrian Democratic Forces, a leftist Kurdish-led coalition, including steps toward a ceasefire and gradual integration. "We also appreciate the efforts of the Commission of Inquiry for its recent report, and welcome the government’s steps for accountability."

In this context, he added, that further meaningful engagement with the affected communities, and increased international support to strengthen security and stability were critical.

"A coherent security transition remains central, including unified national structure, effective border management and intensified counter terrorism efforts, including against Da'esh," Ambassador Asim Ahmad said, adding, "The presence of foreign terrorist fighters remains a serious threat and requires continued international attention."

Earlier, Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, recalling his recent visit to a Syria on a “positive trajectory”, highlighted the launch of a humanitarian needs and response plan for Syria on 2 April — “the first such plan launched inside Syria”.

The first quarter of 2026 saw $84 million disbursed from recently merged funds, and the UN is ensuring that women-led organizations are at the centre of decision-making, he said. In April alone, an additional $146 million from the United States has been allocated to 17 life-saving projects. However, this progress faces three major risks — external conflict across the region, persistently high internal needs and funding cuts. Hyper-Prioritized $1.5 billion in Humanitarian

Aid Key to prevent reversal of gains.

Fletcher urged the Council to use its influence to “resolve the remaining flashpoints”; invest in Syria’s future with sustained and predictable support for recovery and development; and support vital humanitarian operations in the present.

A “hyper-prioritized $1.5 billion” is “the absolute minimum needed to prevent a reversal of gains”, he underscored. “The world needs a success story right now, and Syria could be that story,” Fletcher said, if the Council can address the three risks outlined earlier.

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