Pakistan is mediating between rival eastern and western power centers in Libya. This development follows a US-led push for diplomatic solutions in Libya since a civil war erupted after Muammar Gaddafi’s ouster in 2011.
The involvement of Pakistan, which has been central to mediation efforts involving the US and Iran this year, comes as both sides requested Islamabad’s role. Saudi Arabia also supports these efforts.
Libyan officials from both factions have sought Pakistan’s involvement. The extent of coordination with other regional stakeholders remains unclear.
Any successful plan to reunify Libya must balance foreign patrons’ interests and resolve disputes over posts, election rules, and oil revenues. A proposed “Libya Reunification Plan” outlines a 36-month transitional power-sharing arrangement under the Government of National Consensus and Presidential Council.
The plan would establish Abdulhamid Dbeibah as prime minister and Saddam Haftar as chairman of the Presidential Council, with Haftar’s faction controlling many oilfields and key infrastructure. Pakistan is expected to play an active role in ensuring this arrangement remains viable.
Last month, Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir met with Haftar in Rawalpindi, followed by Haftar’s visit to Washington where he met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The State Department welcomed the Libyan leaders’ efforts and reaffirmed its support for unity.
Pakistan is seen as a secondary player in Libya, but it has maintained ties with both factions that other regional actors may lack. Qatar and Turkey encouraged Pakistan’s involvement in mediation.