ALBAWABA- Pakistani television channels reported on Thursday that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s planned visit to Switzerland has been canceled for undisclosed reasons, casting uncertainty over anticipated diplomatic events linked to the US-Iran peace process.
The visit had been expected to coincide with high-level diplomatic activity surrounding the US-Iran understanding, including a proposed signing ceremony in Geneva. Sharif had earlier indicated that Pakistan would host or facilitate the formalization of the agreement on Friday, positioning Islamabad as a key mediator in the emerging peace framework.
However, the cancellation comes amid signs of logistical and political complications surrounding the next stage of the process. Swiss authorities had previously stated that they had not received a formal request to host a signing ceremony, raising questions about coordination among the involved parties.
In a parallel development, Iran’s Tasnim News Agency, citing an informed source, reported that a planned visit by an Iranian delegation to Geneva has not yet been finalized. The report said internal consultations and diplomatic discussions within Iran are still ongoing, with no final decision reached on the timing or format of participation.
The developments suggest that while the broader US-Iran peace framework remains in place, the expected in-person diplomatic milestone in Geneva may be delayed or restructured. Officials now appear to be considering alternative arrangements, including indirect or technical-level channels rather than a formal joint signing ceremony.
The US-Iran agreement, brokered with the involvement of regional mediators including Pakistan, reportedly outlines an immediate cessation of hostilities, the reopening of key maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, and a 60-day window for continued technical negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program and sanctions relief.
The latest uncertainty underscores the fragile and evolving nature of the diplomatic process, where political sensitivities and coordination challenges continue to influence the timeline despite apparent commitment to advancing negotiations.
