Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir have arrived in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, to participate in technical-level negotiations between the United States and Iran under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, a diplomatic process in which Pakistan is serving as both host and mediator.
The talks, scheduled for June 21, mark the latest phase of a diplomatic initiative that has elevated Pakistan’s profile as a facilitator of dialogue between two long-standing adversaries. The negotiations are being held as part of the implementation framework agreed upon under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, which laid the groundwork for continued engagement between Washington and Tehran.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif travelled to Switzerland accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and senior diplomat Tariq Fatemi. Pakistan’s delegation will take part in the discussions in its capacity as mediator, underscoring Islamabad’s central role in advancing the diplomatic process.
The Foreign Office had earlier announced that the technical-level talks would be conducted under Pakistan’s mediation, with Islamabad continuing to facilitate dialogue aimed at translating diplomatic understandings into practical progress and strengthening confidence-building measures between the two sides.
The participation of both the Prime Minister and Field Marshal Asim Munir highlights the importance Pakistan attaches to the negotiations and reflects a coordinated civil-military effort to support regional stability through diplomacy and engagement.
According to foreign media reports, the Iranian delegation is being led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and includes Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati, and senior officials from Iran’s security and economic institutions.
Reports also indicate that senior American officials are expected to be involved in the talks. US Vice President JD Vance is reportedly considering participation, while President Donald Trump’s adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner is already in Switzerland. US Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff has also travelled to Geneva ahead of the discussions.
The negotiations represent another significant moment in Pakistan’s growing diplomatic engagement on major international issues. Observers say Islamabad’s ability to maintain working relations with both Washington and Tehran has enabled it to emerge as a credible intermediary at a time of heightened regional uncertainty, reinforcing its role as a constructive force in efforts aimed at reducing tensions and promoting dialogue.
