Syrian Foreign Minister Visits Pakistan to Revitalize Bilateral Ties

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani conducted a two-day official visit to Islamabad from August 19 to 20, 2026. This marked the first visit by a Syrian foreign minister to Pakistan in 19 years and the first since the 2024 overthrow of Bashar al-Assad. Invited by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Al-Shaibani met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss revitalizing ties in defense, trade, investment, and education.

During the meetings, Prime Minister Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan's support for Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity, specifically regarding the Golan Heights, and invited Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to visit Pakistan. The two nations discussed establishing a Joint Business Council and a joint investment forum in Damascus, as well as resuming direct flights to facilitate pilgrims. Al-Shaibani briefed Pakistani leadership on Syria's political transition and reconstruction efforts, while praising Pakistan's role in de-escalating tensions between the United States and Iran.

The diplomatic engagement occurred amid heightened regional instability. On August 19, Israeli forces conducted eight airstrikes against the Abu al-Duhur Airbase in Idlib, Syria, targeting the runway and storage facilities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan condemned the strikes as an unprovoked and "flagrant violation of international law." While Syria continues to demand the withdrawal of Israeli troops from territories beyond the 1974 line, Israel has indicated plans to maintain its military presence in the country.