Bürgenstock, Switzerland: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday welcomed the successful conclusion of the first High-Level Committee meeting held under the framework of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), describing the discussions as a significant step toward advancing dialogue between the United States and Iran.
In a statement shared on X, the prime minister said the talks, hosted in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, were conducted in a “positive and constructive atmosphere” and resulted in “encouraging progress.” According to him, participants agreed on a roadmap aimed at reaching a final agreement within 60 days, established a High-Level Committee to provide political oversight, and initiated further technical-level negotiations.
The first round of four-party discussions involved representatives from the United States and Iran, with mediation by Pakistan and Qatar. It marked the first formal follow-up engagement since the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding earlier this week.
PM Shehbaz commended the leadership of both the United States and Iran for their commitment to constructive engagement and diplomacy. He also thanked “all brotherly and friendly countries” for supporting the process, while extending special appreciation to Qatar for its role in facilitating the negotiations and to Switzerland for hosting the talks.
The prime minister paid tribute to Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, crediting his “untiring efforts” and dedication for helping make the negotiations possible. He also praised Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his team at the Foreign Office for their diplomatic work, as well as Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for his contribution to the talks.
Reaffirming Islamabad’s role in regional peace efforts, PM Shehbaz said Pakistan would continue to play an “honest and sincere” role in promoting dialogue and diplomacy aimed at achieving a peaceful and lasting resolution.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also welcomed what he described as “substantial progress” made during the negotiations. He expressed appreciation for the constructive approach shown by both Washington and Tehran in implementing the Islamabad MoU and thanked Qatar for its mediation efforts alongside Pakistan.
Dar confirmed that officials from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs would remain engaged in technical-level discussions throughout the week in Bürgenstock. He reiterated that Pakistan would continue working toward lasting peace and stability in the region and beyond.
According to a joint statement issued by Pakistan and Qatar, the parties agreed on a roadmap designed to reach a comprehensive agreement within 60 days. The statement said a communication channel would be established during the negotiations to prevent misunderstandings and incidents, including mechanisms intended to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
The joint statement also announced the creation of a Pakistan- and Qatar-facilitated de-confliction cell involving Lebanon to oversee compliance with commitments related to the cessation of military operations in the country.
Iranian officials confirmed that senior envoys concluded marathon discussions with their American counterparts in Switzerland. While Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said only a brief discussion on nuclear issues had taken place and that detailed negotiations had not yet begun, mediators described the overall talks as a positive step toward a broader long-term settlement.
The negotiations are expected to continue with technical sessions in the coming days as participants work toward finalizing the framework outlined during the High-Level Committee meeting.
