ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s foreign office on Thursday welcomed US President Donald Trump’s decision to lift sanctions on Syria, describing the decision as a “pivotal step” toward regional stability and the country’s economic recovery. 

In a speech given in Riyadh amidst Trump’s trip to the Middle East this week, the US president said he “will be ordering the cessation of sanctions against Syria in order to give them a chance at greatness.”

The surprise announcement marked a significant shift in Washington’s policy toward Syria, where sanctions targeted ousted President Bashar Assad’s government during several years of war. US imposed the sanctions on Syria over its alleged crackdown on dissent and reported human rights abuses. 

“Pakistan welcomes the United States’ decision to lift sanctions from Syria, marking a pivotal step toward regional stability and economic recovery,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said in a statement. 

The foreign office said Islamabad has consistently advocated for constructive engagement and dialogue. It added that the easing of sanctions is expected to facilitate economic growth, improve access to essential services and support the rebuilding efforts of the Syrian authorities.

“We commend the commitment of all countries, in particular the US, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, working constructively toward a peaceful Syria,” it added. 

The foreign office said Islamabad supports a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned resolution, and remains steadfast in its support for the country’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Syria’s new government has sought to rebuild its ties with regional countries and international financial institutions after Assad’s ouster. The United Kingdom has also removed its sanctions on 12 Syrian government entities, including the ministries of defense and interior, and the General Intelligence Directorate.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to a recently agreed ceasefire with India but stressed that lasting peace in South Asia would only be possible through the resolution of the Kashmir dispute in line with UN Security Council resolutions.

Sharif made the statement during a phone call with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, days after cross-border hostilities between India and Pakistan were halted under a ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump.

According to an official statement, Sharif said his country had accepted ceasefire in the interest of regional peace but warned that it remained prepared to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of another attack.

“The Jammu and Kashmir dispute is the root cause of instability in South Asia, which should be resolved in accordance with the UN Security Council’s resolutions,” he said, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.

He also expressed concern over recent “provocative statements” by Indian leaders following the agreement.

Sharif thanked Azerbaijan for its stance on Kashmir and reiterated Pakistan’s appreciation for the solidarity shown by its leadership and people during the recent standoff.

The two leaders also discussed bilateral ties, with the Pakistani prime minister welcoming progress on proposals for up to $2 billion in Azerbaijani investments in Pakistan across multiple sectors.

He said Islamabad was committed to transforming its relations with Baku into a mutually beneficial economic partnership.

President Aliyev congratulated Sharif on Pakistan’s handling of the recent crisis and expressed support for the ceasefire agreement.

He reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation.

The Pakistani premier extended an invitation to Aliyev to undertake an official visit to Pakistan, which the Azerbaijani leader accepted.