Shafaqna Pakistan: Pakistan has assumed a quiet diplomatic role in mediating between Libya’s rival eastern and western authorities, according to a Reuters report, in a move that could bolster Islamabad’s international profile if the initiative succeeds.
The mediation effort comes after months of a US-backed push to secure a political settlement in Libya, which has remained divided between rival eastern and western administrations since the civil conflict that followed the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that toppled former leader Muammar Gaddafi.
The development follows Pakistan’s role earlier this year in facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran, an effort that drew repeated praise from the administration of Donald Trump.
Pakistani sources quoted by Reuters said the United States is “fully aware and involved” in Islamabad’s mediation initiative in Libya. The effort is also said to have the backing of Saudi Arabia, with bilateral cooperation between Islamabad and Riyadh having strengthened further following the signing of a mutual defence agreement last year.
Sources familiar with the matter said Pakistan’s mediation efforts began late last year after both rival Libyan factions requested Islamabad’s assistance. However, it remains unclear how closely Pakistan has coordinated its initiative with other regional stakeholders.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the military’s media wing, Libyan officials from both eastern and western administrations, and the foreign ministries of Qatar, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and the United States have not yet issued official comments on the reported mediation.
Last month, Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir met Libyan military chief Saddam Haftar in Rawalpindi, which was followed days later by Haftar’s visit to Washington, where he met Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Following the meeting, the US State Department welcomed Libyan leaders’ efforts to bridge political divisions and reiterated Washington’s support for Libya’s unity and stability.
Pakistan has also been exploring defence cooperation with the eastern-based Libyan National Army (LNA), including discussions on the possible sale of JF-17 fighter aircraft and Super Mushak trainer planes, despite the UN arms embargo on Libya.
Meanwhile, Libya’s western-based Government of National Unity (GNU) has also sought direct engagement with Pakistan. According to two Pakistani sources, Qatar and Türkiye—both key supporters of the GNU—encouraged Islamabad to take on a mediating role in an effort to help resolve Libya’s long-running political crisis.
Source: Dunya News
