New York (Web Desk): Pakistan has told the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) that incorporating the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into Syria’s official government institutions is an important development that could help the country move toward lasting peace and stability.
Addressing a UN Security Council (UNSC) briefing on Syria’s political and humanitarian situation, Pakistan’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Usman Jadoon said that the country had reached a point where there was a meaningful opportunity to shift attention away from years of war, division and humanitarian hardship and toward stabilization, recovery and the restoration of normal life.
“After years of conflict, fragmentation and humanitarian emergency in the country, there is now a genuine opportunity to focus on stabilization, recovery and return to normalcy,” Ambassador Usman Jadoon said.
The Pakistan envoy said that the SDF’s integration was another indication that Syria’s state institutions were gradually becoming more unified and consolidated.
He noted that Syria had entered a new chapter following the end of the 14-year civil war in December 2024, when the al Assad regime was brought to an end after ruling the country for around five decades.
“We are heartened to witness the significant political transition continuing to broadening participation, strengthening national cohesion and responding to the aspirations of the Syrian people,” the Pakistani envoy noted, saying that continued consolidation of the Syrian State and its institutions.
He emphasized that Syria’s long-term peace and security would depend on an inclusive political settlement in which Syrians themselves remain at the center of the process.
“Ultimately, sustainable stability can only emerge from a peaceful, inclusive, Syrian-owned and Syrian-led political process.”
The Pakistani diplomat also highlighted the relaxation of economic restrictions on Syria, saying the development had created additional opportunities for economic revival and greater engagement with the international community.
Rising cooperation and investment, he added, offered further grounds for hope. “The measure of success, however, will be whether these developments translate into economic activity, accelerate reconstruction and bring tangible improvements to the lives of people – all of which is on a positive trajectory.
At the same time, Jadoon warned that Da’esh and foreign terrorist fighters continued to represent a major danger to Syria’s fragile stability.
“Coordinated counter-terrorism efforts remain essential to prevent its resurgence and preserve Syria’s hard-won stability,” he said, while also stressing that the consequences of the Syrian civil war must be addressed through a transitional justice system that is fair and impartial.
The Pakistani representative also praised the Syrian leadership for showing restraint and working to prevent the country from becoming involved in a wider regional confrontation.
Jadoon strongly criticized an Israeli strike on Abu al-Duhur Airbase, calling it a violation of international law. He said the 1974 Disengagement Agreement needed to be upheld and demanded the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from all occupied areas.
“These are essential steps to prevent further escalation and safeguard regional peace and stability,” he said, adding, “We also reiterate that the Syrian Golan is an occupied Syrian territory, as affirmed by Security Council Resolutions 338 and 497.”
At the beginning of the Security Council session, UN Special Envoy Claudio Cardone said the effectiveness of Syria’s political transition would ultimately depend on whether people from across the country believed they had a place in state institutions and were able to take part in decisions concerning Syria’s future.
“The success of the political transition will ultimately be measured by whether all Syrians feel represented in State institutions and able to participate meaningfully in shaping their country’s future.”
Cardone said the message was also central to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ meeting with President Ahmed al-Sharaa during his visit last month.
He called for greater international assistance to help Syria deal with its urgent humanitarian, reconstruction and development requirements and to establish conditions that would allow displaced Syrians to return home voluntarily, safely and with dignity.
“Greater international support is essential to meet urgent humanitarian, recovery and development needs and create conditions for safe, dignified and voluntary returns,” he stressed.
Against this backdrop, Cardone welcomed the US decision to remove Syria’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism. He nevertheless pointed out that serious economic difficulties remained, with widespread poverty and rising inflation continuing despite the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) projection of double-digit growth for Syria in 2026.