When Arab Spring hit Tunisia and Egypt, at the same time it had also regional repercussions. Syria being a central state of Middle East was no exception to it. First the people rose for their rights in 2012 but after forceful pressing by the regime; though at times the regime also gave some concessions to the rebels but all in vain. At last the rebels stood against the Assad’s four decade long regime which broke into deadly civil war with death toll of 95000 approximately. Such a bleak situation has caught the attention of world powers. so have idea for Pakistan Role In Syria
But the situation is very delicate because there is sheer divide on Syrian issue, on hand if the major Power US and Saudi Arabia are in Favor of the rebel/public then in the other hand Russia, Iran and China are backing the regime. This scenario has left Pakistan stance in critical condition. Below is an overview of the analysis of Pakistan Policy towards Syrian conflict:
Pakistan Role In Syria Being A Central State Of Middle East
- Pakistan have friends one both sides of the divide regarding Syrian conflict, on one side is US and Saudi Arabia but on other is the time tested friend China and Iran and Russia.
- Moreover the Syrian conflict has a sectarian aspect too and Pakistan being the Sunni country also constitutes 15-20% of her populations as Shiites; so taking sides in the Syrian conflict is unwise option for Pakistan
- Further in wake of the ongoing on terror at domestic level and sectarian violence, Pakistan is no position to adopt offensive or defensive policy towards Syrian conflict.
- That’s why in order to keep away from the conflict Pakistan is since long adopting the policy of neutrality towards Syria and has joined the Non-Alignment, Non-interventionist Movement.
- Pakistan wants peaceful resolution based on political settlement.
- Pakistan believes that any change to come in should be from within and must be based on consensus and dialogue.
- At the same time Pakistan also believes that the regime should respect the rights of the people and take reforms accordingly.
- Pakistan also has serious concerns about the worsening security and humanitarian situation in Syria. President Zardari has also stated that the security and safety of the Syrian people is the responsibility of the regime.
- Keeping in mind the sectarian aspect of the Conflict, Pakistan’s Policy response has been cautious and Neutrality seems the right policy at this time.
- In short Pakistan has adopted the policy the policy of neutrality in Syrian conflict but it can also play its role by offering good offices for the political resolution of the issue moreover she must also warn against the repercussion, in the region, of any military intervention in Syria.