ISLAMABAD — Pakistan and Qatar announced the creation of a de-confliction mechanism aimed at supporting a fragile ceasefire in Lebanon, saying the initiative emerged from high-level diplomatic talks focused on reducing regional tensions and preventing renewed hostilities.
In a joint statement issued on Monday following talks in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, Pakistani and Qatari mediators said participants had agreed to establish a de-confliction cell linked to efforts to maintain calm in Lebanon and support ongoing diplomatic negotiations. The announcement came after the first round of discussions between U.S. and Iranian delegations under a broader framework for regional de-escalation.
According to the mediators, the talks took place in a “positive and constructive atmosphere” and resulted in “encouraging progress,” including the creation of mechanisms for continued technical discussions and crisis-management channels. Officials said the Lebanon de-confliction cell would be intended to reduce misunderstandings and help preserve ceasefire arrangements that have come under strain in recent weeks.
The initiative follows a ceasefire framework announced earlier this month between Israel and Lebanon through U.S.-brokered diplomacy. That arrangement sought to halt hostilities and establish security measures in parts of southern Lebanon, although tensions and sporadic violence have continued.
Pakistan has repeatedly called for respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty and for adherence to ceasefire commitments. Earlier this month, Pakistan’s ambassador to the United Nations urged an immediate cessation of hostilities and emphasized the need for diplomatic solutions to prevent further escalation.
Qatar has also played a mediation role in regional diplomacy. Qatari officials previously said Doha had engaged with international partners to help stabilize the situation in Lebanon and support efforts to prevent further military escalation.
Details regarding the structure, membership and operational procedures of the new de-confliction cell remain unclear. Mediators did not specify whether Israeli officials, Hezbollah representatives or other Lebanese parties would participate directly in the mechanism. Reports from the talks indicated that the arrangement would involve coordination with Lebanon’s government and form part of broader efforts to sustain regional de-escalation.
“We have made encouraging progress,” Pakistan and Qatar said in their joint statement, adding that technical negotiations would continue in the coming days.
As of Monday, diplomatic teams were preparing for additional rounds of talks in Switzerland. Mediators said discussions would continue on Lebanon, maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz and other regional issues, while the newly announced de-confliction cell was expected to begin work as part of efforts to preserve the ceasefire and reduce the risk of renewed conflict.
