Pakistan against any attempt to topple Bashar al-Assad

Pakistan on Wednesday stated that it is against any attempt to topple the government of Syrian President Bashar al Assad.

"Pakistan is also against foreign military intervention in Syria and fully supports the territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic,” said Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry.

"Pakistan supports all efforts employed at facilitating a peaceful Syrian-led and inclusive solution that meets the aspirations of the Syrian people through a comprehensive political dialogue," added Chaudhry.

It is pertinent to mention that since the start of the Syrian conflict, Pakistan had maintained a policy of strict neutrality. The statement from the foreign secretary marks a significant shift in Pakistan's policy on the ongoing Syrian crisis.

The foreign secretary was speaking at the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, which met earlier at Parliament House in Islamabad.

Dawn