Switzerland talks: inside stories and Pakistan’s major diplomatic win

Almost no one believed it would actually happen, and for much of the process, it seemed increasingly unlikely that it ever would. I was one of five Pakistani journalists on the ground for the Iran-US talks at Bürgenstock Resort in Switzerland, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, eighteen hours straight, no breaks, no margin for error. What the cameras caught was only part of the story but what happened in the corridors, behind closed doors and deep into the night is what this piece is really about.

Journey Begins: Cancellation Rumours and Mohsin Naqvi’s Cryptic but Crucial Message

The story began when word came through that a major agreement between Iran and the United States was about to be signed in Switzerland. I booked my tickets and left immediately, but the moment I landed in Zurich, I was told the event had been cancelled. My return ticket was booked three to four days out, so staying and waiting was the only sensible option.

As the days passed and my return flight drew close, I learned, just one day before departure, that Mohsin Naqvi had personally travelled to Iran to bring the Iranians back to the table. I reached out to him directly: should I stay or leave? His reply was short and decisive: don’t leave. With that, the talks’ schedule also emerged: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir were to fly to Zurich themselves.

Arrival at Bürgenstock and the Media Centre Setup

The guideline came through between 9 and 10am Swiss time: everyone had to reach Bürgenstock Resort before 10am, after which the entire area would be sealed for security and no entry would be permitted. When we arrived at the mountain resort, PM Shehbaz Sharif arrived shortly after. He went straight inside without stopping for media.

We were taken to the media centre, already packed with international press. Shortly after, the Pakistani delegation, PM Shehbaz Sharif, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Tariq Fatemi, arranged special passes for the five Pakistani journalists present, giving us access to the actual negotiations venue.

We were told the first phase would consist of one-on-one bilateral meetings between delegations, followed by a joint photo session with all four delegations, Iran, the US, Qatar and Pakistan, standing together.

Inside the Hall: The Delegations Arrive

The Iranian delegation requested a one-on-one with the Pakistani side first. Baqir Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a private meeting with PM Shehbaz Sharif before proceedings began.

When we entered the main hall, PM Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir were already inside, exchanging warm pleasantries with the journalists present. The American delegation then walked in, led by Vice President JD Vance, with Jared Kushner and Steven Witkoff alongside him, cordial greetings all around. The Qatari Prime Minister followed, meeting each of the leaders in the room.

The Iranian Delegation’s Grievances and Donald Trump’s Tweet

Everyone was now waiting on the Iranians, this was to be the first time all four delegations would appear in one place and one frame. Then came the disruption: a senior Iranian official walked into the hall, whispered something in PM Shehbaz’s ear, and walked straight back out. Mohsin Naqvi, standing right beside him, followed immediately. It seemed obvious that something had gone wrong.

The Iranian delegation had two objections. First, they had not been told in advance about the joint photo session and flatly refused to be photographed alongside the Americans. Second, Trump had issued a threatening public warning against Iran on social media in the days leading up to the talks. The Iranian delegation’s position was clear: if a formal negotiation process is underway, what was the need for threats and ultimatums? On both counts, they refused any joint photograph with the Americans.

JD Vance’s Candid Remark and His Bond with Field Marshal Asim Munir

It was during the media interaction, held without the joint photo, that JD Vance made a comment about Field Marshal Asim Munir that brought the entire hall to laughter. He said: “I know two people in India and Pakistan who are very close to me and with whom I am in constant contact — one is my wife, who is from India, and the other is Field Marshal Asim Munir, who is from Pakistan.”

The comparison has caused considerable irritation in India. But the ground reality is this: the Trump administration regards Field Marshal Asim Munir as their go-to man in the region, someone through whom major security challenges can be effectively navigated.

Behind the scenes, work on a joint statement was already underway, foreign ministry experts from all four countries sitting together, going over every word and every line. At around 2am Swiss time, I could see Field Marshal Asim Munir, Mohsin Naqvi and other Pakistani delegation members standing with the Qatari Prime Minister, holding final consultations on the draft. What had started at 9am was still going, well past midnight.

Pakistan’s Biggest Win and Formation of Technical Committees

At 2am, the draft was finalised. Pakistan and Qatar’s foreign ministries would jointly release it at 3am Swiss time, 6am PST. The headline outcome: Iran and the United States agreed to establish working groups and technical committees to keep the negotiation process moving forward, with both sides’ technical teams remaining in Switzerland to carry the process ahead. A high-level central committee was also formed to step in as a mediator if talks hit obstacles down the line.

Every force that had wanted this process to fail, and Pakistan stripped of its credit, was left disappointed and the process Pakistan hosted moved successfully into its next phase.

Closing Remarks and Field Marshal Asim Munir’s Words

When the draft was finally done, only a handful of Pakistani journalists remained in the hall. Field Marshal Asim Munir, before leaving, shook hands with those present: “A million thanks to Allah that we have been granted this success. This is entirely by His grace, He is the one who makes things happen.”

It was a moment that, in every sense, upheld Pakistan’s honour on the international stage.