Pakistan has said that three technical working groups have been established under the framework of the Iran-US deal facilitated by Islamabad, with the next round of talks expected to resume next week following consultations by the groups.

Speaking at the weekly media briefing on Wednesday, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said the second round of negotiations between Iran and the US was held in Burgenstock, Switzerland, on June 21, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir representing Pakistan.

He said three specialised working groups had been formed for the next phase of talks.

The first group would deal with issues related to Iran’s nuclear programme, the second would review sanctions and frozen assets, while the third would focus on the situation in Lebanon.

According to Andrabi, Pakistani and Qatari technical teams would remain in contact with their US and Iranian counterparts ahead of the next round of negotiations, which is expected to take place on Tuesday or Wednesday.

The spokesperson said Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian paid a one-day visit to Pakistan on Tuesday at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

During the visit, the Iranian president held meetings with Prime Minister Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation.

Andrabi said discussions during the June 21 meeting also covered the Islamabad Understanding, describing it as an important step towards reducing regional tensions and resolving disputes through dialogue.

He said several countries had appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in promoting peace and mediation in the region, adding that Islamabad welcomed the international recognition of its constructive role.

The spokesperson also thanked Pakistani media for what he described as responsible coverage of the diplomatic process.

Separately, Andrabi said foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye met on June 21 to discuss the Islamabad memorandum of understanding and the Burgenstock negotiations.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also held consultations with his counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Italy, Canada, Bahrain and Iran.

On another issue, the spokesperson said Pakistan was in contact with Somali authorities following reports that Pakistani nationals had been taken hostage off the Somali coast.

He added that Islamabad was also coordinating with Iranian, American and British authorities to ensure the safe return of the affected individuals.

Andrabi further said the UN Security Council had unanimously adopted a Pakistan-Denmark-sponsored resolution aimed at strengthening accountability for crimes against peacekeepers.

Supported by 153 UN member states, the resolution calls for effective investigations, prosecution and accountability for attacks on peacekeeping personnel.

He said the measure reflected Pakistan’s leadership role in enhancing the safety and effectiveness of UN peacekeeping missions.

Pakistan, Andrabi added, would continue to play a constructive role in promoting regional peace and resolving conflicts through dialogue.