Islamabad’s evolving Middle Eastern diplomacy can be seen in its support for a UN Security Council resolution lifting sanctions on President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria – marking an important step toward its reintegration into global community. The resolution was approved earlier this week with 14 votes cast in favour of it and one abstention from China; effectively ending years of travel bans and asset freezes placed upon Syria’s top leadership during civil conflict and allegations of terrorist links.
Pakistan’s Support and Rationale
Pakistani diplomatic representatives at the UN viewed Pakistan’s decision as “an essential step toward restoring Syria’s sovereignty, stability, and rightful place within international politics”. Pakistan’s Permanent Representative Munir Akram underscored how this action was grounded in principles of justice and regional peace.
He stated, “Sanctions must not become an instrument of punishment, rather their purpose must be corrective rather than coercive. Syria has taken significant steps forward toward political and security reforms; this resolution recognizes this progress.”
Islamabad’s vote aligns with its longstanding policy of non-interference in sovereign state internal affairs and support for dialogue-based conflict resolution, according to officials at Pakistan’s Foreign Office. Officials noted that Pakistan’s support reflected their overall multilateral approach and commitment towards reconciliation within Muslim nations that have experienced conflict.
UN Lifts Sanctions on Syria
The UNSC decision to lift sanctions against President Sharaa and several key ministers follows months of diplomatic outreach between the US, Russia, and regional mediators. The resolution acknowledges “substantial changes” since Bashar al-Assad was removed as president late 2024; and also emphasizes commitments made by his successor administration to dismantle remaining extremist networks and provide humanitarian access across Syria.
Sharaa will soon visit the White House – his first official trip in nearly eight decades – as part of a “symbolic restart” of bilateral engagement; discussions expected to include counterterrorism measures, refugee repatriation issues and reconstruction financing financing. Washington has described his visit as “symbolic”.
Regional and Global Implications
Pakistan’s support of this resolution holds both diplomatic and symbolic weight. It demonstrates Islamabad’s desire to play an active role in rebuilding consensus within Muslim world, and strengthening cooperation among nations emerging from conflict. Analysts note it also symbolizes Pakistan’s effort at maintaining equilibrium between relations with Western powers as well as regional partners such as Iran, Turkey, and Gulf states who all cautiously welcomed Syria’s rehabilitation process.
Islamabad officials and economic experts have highlighted how ending Syria’s isolation could contribute to greater Middle Eastern stability by decreasing extremist groups that have flourished due to conflict and sanctions, and opening markets up again for international partners. Economic experts also see potential trade and reconstruction opportunities for Pakistan once Syria’s markets open again.
View Forward
Although the UNSC’s decision has been widely applauded, some humanitarian groups have requested continued monitoring of Syria’s human rights record. Pakistan believes engagement – rather than isolation – offers the best chance for progress.
As the global community watches President Sharaa make his diplomatic debut in Washington, Pakistan’s vote at the UN underscores its belief that diplomacy, reconciliation, and inclusion remain effective means of creating lasting peace.