UNITED NATIONS, Sep 20 (APP):Pakistan has commended Syria's institutional and military reforms while warning that "external actions" —specifically Israeli military interventions — risk derailing the country's delicate transition. "Israel’s continued military activities and presence on Syrian territory constitute violations of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity," Ambassador Usman Jadoon, deputy permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, told the Security Council during a debate on the situation in Syria. "Syria’s sovereignty, …
Pakistan warns Israeli strikes threaten Syria’s delicate transition amid domestic reforms
UNITED NATIONS, Sep 20 (APP):Pakistan has commended Syria’s institutional and military reforms while warning that “external actions” —specifically Israeli military interventions — risk derailing the country’s delicate transition.
“Israel’s continued military activities and presence on Syrian territory constitute violations of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Ambassador Usman Jadoon, deputy permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, told the Security Council during a debate on the situation in Syria.
“Syria’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity must be fully respected”, Ambassador Jadoon added.
“We strongly condemn the recent incursions into Syrian territory by senior Israeli officials, including at Mount Hermon, which constitute a flagrant violation of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he said. “Israel must vacate Syrian Golan and other occupied territory in Syria.”
Syria has undergone major political and social shifts since a popular uprising ousted President Bashar Al-Assad in late 2024. The country’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has engaged more closely with the international community and promised accountability for past atrocity crimes, while undertaking significant government reforms.
“Syria has travelled a considerable distance in a remarkably short period,” the Pakistani envoy stated.
“What began as a moment of profound transition is increasingly becoming a process of national consolidation: rebuilding State institutions, restoring Syria’s unity, reconnecting with the region and the wider international community, and laying the foundations for recovery after years of devastating conflict,” he said.
“We encourage all concerned to continue addressing outstanding matters through dialogue, accommodation and mutual understanding,” Ambassador Jadoon said, underscoring the need to brings all Syrians together.
“We equally recognize the considerable efforts being undertaken to restore governance, security and normalcy across the country, despite immense challenges.”
Warning that the terrorist groups, including foreign terrorist fighters, continue to pose a threat, Ambassador Jadoon stressed the need to fight tghe menace.
“Syria should receive the international cooperation and capacity-building support necessary to confront terrorism effectively, in accordance with international law.”
On the economic front, the Pakistani envoy hoped the growing investment and economic engagement of partners and countries, including from the Gulf region and the European Union, will contribute meaningfully to restoring livelihoods and creating the foundations for development.
Pakistan, he said, will continue to stand with the Syrian people and support a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned process that leads towards a peaceful, united, sovereign and prosperous Syria.
At the outset, UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said the voluntary return of more than 2 million internally displaced Syrians and 1.8 million refugees since December 2024 represents a “historic wave of return” and a “profound sign of hope”.
He noted that improved security, eased sanctions, and resilient communities are helping drive recovery, but warned that major challenges remain.
More than 5.5 million displaced Syrians have yet to return home, including nearly 800,000 people living in camps, most of them women and children.
With only 18 per cent of Syrian refugees planning to return in the coming year, Fletcher cautioned that without adequate housing, schools, water, and funding, “today’s returnees risk becoming tomorrow’s displaced”.
