Pakistan calls for credible political transition in Syria, urges sanctions removal

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Wednesday emphasized at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) the need for a credible and peaceful political transition in Syria to ensure stability, while calling for the removal of sanctions on past leadership, saying their continuation was now hurting the Syrian people.
The statement came hours after Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani announced his country would have a new government “representing the Syrian people as much as possible,” set to be launched on March 1.
Shaibani shared the plan on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit in the United Arab Emirates while discussing the situation following the overthrow of former President Bashar Assad.
“We take note of the assurance from the caretaker Foreign Minister today in Dubai that a new government will be launched on March 1st and will represent the Syrian people as much as possible and take its diversity into account,” Ambassador Munir Akram, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN, told the UNSC briefing on Syria.
“The path to peace and stability in Syria requires a credible political transition, national unity and an inclusive governance framework,” he added. “The international community must remain engaged and constructive in supporting this process. Pakistan stands firmly with the brotherly and resilient people of Syria.”

Akram welcomed the Riyadh Meetings on Syria hosted by Saudi Arabia last month, calling them crucial in fostering dialogue, promoting an inclusive political transition and aiding Syria’s reconstruction within a Syrian-led framework.
The Saudi-hosted discussions focused on post-conflict reconstruction, refugee repatriation, counterterrorism and strengthening regional and international cooperation.
“Sanctions remain a major obstacle to Syria’s recovery,” Akram said. “Unilateral sanctions, originally imposed on past leadership, now primarily harm the Syrian people. These must be reassessed and reviewed to facilitate economic recovery and humanitarian relief.”
“UN sanctions should also be periodically reviewed to ensure they do not impede Syria’s reconstruction while maintaining vigilance against terrorist-affiliated entities,” he continued. “A balanced and pragmatic approach is needed to address economic hardships and the humanitarian crisis.”
The Pakistani diplomat also raised concerns about the reported presence of militant groups in Syria, warning against the Arab state becoming a safe haven for extremist groups.
“The presence of foreign fighters and groups with known terrorist affiliations requires vigilance,” he said. “Any resurgence of Al-Qaeda, [Daesh], and their affiliated groups must be prevented. We are also concerned at reports of the inclusion of foreign terrorist groups in Syria’s governing structure. No foreign fighters or armed entities should operate outside the State’s control.”