ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has quietly launched mediation efforts between Libya’s rival eastern and western authorities, according to Reuters, in a diplomatic initiative that could further enhance Islamabad’s international profile if successful.
The previously unreported effort comes amid months of US-backed attempts to find a political solution to Libya’s long-running divisions. The country has remained split between competing eastern and western administrations since the civil conflict that followed the 2011 Nato-backed uprising which overthrew Muammar Qadhafi.
The initiative follows Pakistan’s role in facilitating indirect engagement between the United States and Iran earlier this year, an effort for which the Trump administration has repeatedly praised Islamabad.
According to Pakistani sources cited by Reuters, the United States is “fully aware and involved” in Pakistan’s mediation efforts in Libya.
The sources also said Saudi Arabia is supporting the initiative. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a mutual defence pact last year.
Pakistani officials familiar with the matter said the mediation process began late last year after both Libyan sides requested Islamabad’s involvement.
However, the extent of Pakistan’s coordination with other regional stakeholders remains unclear.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), officials from Libya’s eastern and western administrations, and the foreign ministries of Qatar, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and the United States did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.
Last month, Chief of Defence Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir met Libyan military commander Saddam Haftar in Rawalpindi. Days later, Haftar travelled to Washington, where he held talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Following the meeting, the US State Department said Rubio welcomed efforts by Libyan leaders to bridge political divisions and reaffirmed Washington’s support for Libya’s unity.
Pakistan has also been strengthening defence ties with the eastern-based Libyan National Army (LNA), including discussions over the possible sale of JF-17 fighter aircraft and Super Mushak trainer planes, despite a United Nations arms embargo.
At the same time, Libya’s western-based Government of National Unity (GNU) has also sought direct engagement with Pakistan.
According to two Pakistani sources familiar with the discussions, Qatar and Türkiye—one of the GNU’s principal supporters—were among the countries that encouraged Islamabad to take on a mediating role.
