Pakistan's PM, army chief to depart for Switzerland to attend historic US-Iran deal

Tariq Butt, Correspondent

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, accompanied by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, is scheduled to depart for Switzerland on Thursday to attend the historic peace agreement ceremony between Iran and the United States.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, some federal ministers and senior government officials will also be with the premier. Pakistan, which mediated the peace accord, is the host of the ceremony.

Meanwhile, a top security official told a select group of media men that the motives behind recent mediation efforts by Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership were aimed at securing regional stability and peace among Muslim countries, rather than pursuing narrower interests.

The official addressed a wide range of issues, including Pakistan’s role in securing peace between the US and Iran and issues arising out of India’s tampering with the Indus basin.

He said that through consultation with key stakeholders, Pakistan - and Field Marshal Asim Munir in particular - had helped avert a major war that he said had been planned with serious consequences for the region.

Field Marshal Munir’s "sincerity, competence, brilliance and Allah’s blessings” was credited for what the official called a war "won… without actually being fought”, and described this as "the pinnacle of strategy.”

The official said the diplomatic process required "utmost confidentiality, responsibility and caution,” and that Pakistan, as a "responsible mediator,” would not discuss the substance of any talks or next steps in order to avoid speculation.

He also credited Muslim majority countries with showing what he called "masterly leadership, restraint and strategic patience” in helping avert a war he said could otherwise have pitted Muslim countries against one another.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue and reduce tensions between the United States and Iran received recognition in the British Parliament, where members of the House of Lords praised the country’s constructive role in advancing peace initiatives in the Middle East. 

During a debate on the situation in the Middle East held in the House of Lords on 15 June 2026, several peers highlighted Pakistan’s contribution to efforts aimed at encouraging negotiations and supporting regional stability. 

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon paid tribute to Pakistan’s role and expressed confidence that ministers and fellow members of the chamber would acknowledge the country's contribution to the peace process. 

Speaking partly in Urdu, he said, "Pakistan ka bohat bohat shukriya” ("Many thanks to Pakistan”), while also thanking Qatar for its support in helping advance diplomatic efforts. The debate also featured praise from Baroness Chapman of Darlington, who acknowledged Pakistan’s role in helping bring the United States and Iran closer to dialogue. Responding on behalf of the British government, she thanked Pakistan for its efforts and recognised its contribution to the diplomatic process.

Shahbaz Sharif was also commended during the debate for his continued diplomatic engagement in support of peace and stability.
 
Lord Barber of Childs Hill urged the British government to formally congratulate Shahbaz Sharif on the reported success of the peace initiative. He praised the Prime Minister’s commitment to promoting lasting peace through dialogue and diplomacy.
 
In response, Baroness Chapman said that Shahbaz Sharif had performed commendably and was deserving of recognition and appreciation for his efforts.
 
Participants in the debate emphasised the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation in maintaining stability and preventing further conflict in the Middle East.
 
It is worth noting that Pakistan's diplomatic efforts regarding the Iran-US agreement have received international recognition.
 
Experts in international relations and global media have particularly praised the role of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir for the peace efforts.

Agencies