Pakistan leads quiet push for Libya unity

Pakistan has quietly stepped into a diplomatic role aimed at helping reunify Libya after years of political division

Pakistan has quietly stepped into a diplomatic role aimed at helping reunify Libya after years of political division and instability. According to informed Pakistani sources, Islamabad has been facilitating dialogue between Libya’s rival eastern and western leaderships in an effort to build consensus on a political settlement.

The mediation effort reportedly began late last year after representatives from both Libyan factions approached Pakistan and requested its involvement. The initiative has remained confidential as discussions continue behind the scenes.

Libya has remained politically divided since the 2011 uprising that toppled longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi. Rival administrations have governed the country’s east and west for years, while repeated attempts to form a unified government have failed due to disagreements over political authority, elections, and the distribution of oil revenues.

Sources said Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts are taking place alongside broader international attempts to restore stability in Libya. The United States is said to be fully informed of Islamabad’s role, while Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey are also supportive of Pakistan’s involvement in encouraging dialogue between the rival sides.

A proposed political framework under discussion reportedly calls for a 36-month transitional government that would unite Libya’s competing institutions. Under the proposal, the internationally recognised western administration would continue leading the government during the transition, while representatives from the eastern leadership would assume key positions in a new presidential structure. The draft also includes arrangements aimed at resolving disputes over elections, governance, and the management of Libya’s oil wealth.

Pakistani officials are expected to remain engaged throughout the process to help maintain dialogue and support implementation if an agreement is reached. However, discussions are still ongoing, and no final deal has been approved.

The diplomatic initiative gained attention after Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, met eastern Libyan military leader Saddam Haftar in Rawalpindi last month. Days later, Haftar travelled to Washington for high-level meetings with US officials, where support for Libya’s unity and political reconciliation was reaffirmed.

Pakistan has maintained communication with both the eastern military leadership and the internationally recognised western government, allowing Islamabad to establish trust with both sides. Analysts believe this balanced relationship could help Pakistan play a constructive role in advancing political dialogue, although they caution that reaching a lasting agreement will remain challenging given Libya’s complex political landscape and competing foreign interests.