As Syria’s humanitarian needs soar and aid funding dries up, Pakistan has called on the UN Security Council to urgently give sanctions relief to help build peace and stability in the country following 14 years of a devastating civil war.

“We emphasize the critical importance of easing sanctions on Syria in order to enable economic recovery, reconstruction, and reintegration.”

Ambassador Usman Jadoon, acting permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, told the 15-member Council on Wednesday.

He also underlined the need for improvement in Syria’s governance to achieve tangible results, and welcomed the recent parliamentary elections for the People’s Assembly as a step towards political engagement and rebuilding state institutions.

Equally important, he said, was the agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the central government to integrate SDF units into the national army.

A development he described as vital for national cohesion and restoration of unified state institutions.

Ambassador Jadoon also called for addressing the presence of foreign terrorist fighters through political and security measures, including disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) reforms, and extending centralized authority across all regions.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s solidarity with the Syrian people, he expressed confidence that with domestic efforts and international support, Syria would emerge stronger, more peaceful and prosperous.

Earlier, Najat Rochdi, the UN Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Envoy for Syria, highlighted the role of Syrian women in shaping the country’s future and welcomed the largely peaceful indirect elections for the transitional People’s Assembly on October 5.

She also noted the need for broader representation and quicker sanctions relief for Syria’s recovery.