Pakistan will continue to play 'honest, sincere role' in advancing dialogue, says PM after US-Iran talks in Switzerland

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday expressed Pakistan’s continued commitment to play an “honest and sinere” role in advancing dialogue in what were his first remarks after the conclusion of a high-level meeting between the United States and Iran under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding aimed at ending the Middle East conflict. In a post on X, PM Shehbaz expressed satisfaction at the “successful conclusion” of the meeting held in Switzerland’s Burgenstock. The premier stated that the discussions were held in a “positive and constructive atmosphere and yielded encouraging progress,” which included a roadmap towards the final deal within 60 days, the establishment of a high-level committee for political oversight and the commencement of further technical talks. PM Shehbaz commended the leadership of both the US and Iran for “continued commitment to constructive engagement”. He also expressed thanks for “all brotherly and friendly countries for their valuable support in advancing this historic process,” particularly Qatar. The premier thanked Qatar for its “critical support” in creating the necessary conditions for the negotiations to move forward. “A word of thanks to the Swiss Government for their facilitation in hosting these talks,” PM Shehbaz said. He also paid a “special tribute” to Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir. PM Shehbaz said that CDF Munir’s “unitiring efforts” ensured the success of the talks. “His dedication, commitment and perseverance are indeed commendable without which there would have been no progress,” the premier remarked. He further thanked Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar as well as Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. “Pakistan will continue to play its honest and sincere role in advancing dialogue and diplomacy towards a peaceful and lasting resolution,” PM Shehbaz concluded. Meanwhile, DPM Dar “warmly welcomed” the “substantial progress” achieved at the talks. He also congratul