The United Nations Security Council, with Pakistan’s support, has adopted a landmark resolution to remove Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Interior Minister Anas Khattab from the Daesh and Al-Qaeda sanctions list. The move, backed by Pakistan, is being seen as a major diplomatic breakthrough for Syria after years of isolation and turmoil.
Pakistan Backs UN Resolution Removing Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa from Sanctions List — a decision that Pakistan’s UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad hailed as a significant step forward for Syria’s recovery and reintegration into the global community. He described the resolution as an opportunity for Syria to rebuild its institutions, stabilise its security landscape, and move toward national prosperity.
Ambassador Asim Ahmad expressed hope that the Syrian leadership would consolidate authority, restore peace, and drive the country toward reconstruction after over a decade of devastating conflict. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s long-standing stance that sanctions relief is crucial for Syria’s economic revival and its re-engagement with the international community.
“The Syrian people have endured immense suffering through years of war and instability,” said the Pakistani envoy. “Today’s vote shows that the global community stands ready to support the Syrian people as they enter a new political phase under a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned process.”
Warning of the ongoing threat from foreign terrorist fighters, Ambassador Ahmad urged Syria to continue efforts toward national security and stability. The resolution, drafted by the United States, passed with 14 votes in favour and none against, while China abstained.
Ahmed al-Sharaa, who became Syria’s transitional president after ousting Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, had been under UN sanctions for his previous role as leader of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), formerly linked to al-Qaeda. HTS was removed from the US list of foreign terror organisations earlier this year.
The UN vote came just days before President al-Sharaa’s scheduled visit to Washington for talks with US President Donald Trump.
US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz welcomed the move, saying it marked “a new era” for Syria and offered “the greatest chance” for the Syrian people to rebuild. However, China’s envoy Fu Cong criticised the process, arguing that the US pushed the resolution despite divisions within the Council.
Meanwhile, Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani praised the decision, calling it evidence of Damascus’s “growing diplomatic legitimacy.” In a statement on X, he said Syrian diplomacy had once again “proved its active presence” and was paving the way for “a more open and stable Syrian future.” He also expressed gratitude to the US and “friendly nations” for their support.