ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday said there had been `positive progress` on issues related to the Islamabad MoU and the Lake Lucerne Summit and that the next meeting between the US and Iran was expected to be held at the `earliest possible time` following the funeral of the Iranian supreme leader.

In a weekly press conference, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the parties agreed to continue discussions over the coming period, with the `next meeting to be set at the earliest possible time following the funeral processions of the former Iranian supreme leader`.

Asked about harsh statements from both sides, Mr Andarabi said mediators must maintain `positivity, optimism and due confidentiality`. He said the dialogue had not broken down and that the next round after the funeral showed the parties remained at the table. He also did not rule out Islamabad hosting future techni-cal-level talks.

He said Pakistan and Qatar held separate meetings with US and Iranian negotiators in Doha this week, adding that the country would continue to play its role as a facilitator.

A source familiar with the matter told AFP on condition of anonymity that the indirect negotiations in Doha had focused more specifically on arrangements for the Strait of Hormuz, with the nuclear issue slated for deeper discussion later.

At the talks` conclusion, Iran`s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, who led Tehran`s delegation, said an agreement had been reached to establish a communications channel by Thursday to report and record alleged violations of the memorandum.

Mr Gharibabadi said discussions also covered frozen Iranian assets, whose release Tehran has demanded as part of any settlement. He said officials reviewed the use of part of an initial $6 billion and agreed that goods needed by Iran would be purchased and made available.

Khamenei`s funeral As Iran prepares for its slain leader`s funeral, PM Shehbaz Sharif along with several other leaders will attend the funeral procession of the Iranian supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, in Iran. Besides the premier, Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani, PPP chief Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, and KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi are also expected to attendfuneral.

Ali Khamenei`s public funeralwillbeginonSaturday, with his body lying in state at the colossal Grand Mosalla complex in central Tehran that hosts major Friday prayers, official ceremonies and religious gatherings. Khamenei`s burial will take place on July 9 at the shrine of Imam Reza inthe northeastern city of Mashhad, his birthplace.

The Iranian leader was killed at the outset of the US-Iran war in a joint US-Israeli strike on Feb 28.

Accompanied by FM Ishaq Dar, the PM will also visit Turkiye after Iran. He will meet President Erdogan and also address a Pakistan-hosted business conference.

Mr Andarabi said targeted, intelligence-based strikes inside Afghanistan after the Karachi attack killed 29 terrorists of Jamaatul Ahrar and the banned TTP.

He rejected claims of civilian casualties, saying due diligence was taken and only terrorists were targeted. `Our larger position remains the same Afghan territory should not be used for planning attacks in Pakistan. If this does not happen, trade and borders will remain closed,` he said.