ISLAMABAD - Pakistan has quietly begun mediating between Libya's rival eastern and western power centres, according to two Pakistani sources, in a previously unreported diplomatic effort that would further raise Islamabad's global profile as an indispensable mediator if successful .
The development comes just months after Pakistan successfully brokered a ceasefire between the United States and Iran, a role repeatedly credited by the Trump administration . Now, Islamabad is leveraging its unique position-trusted by both sides of complex conflicts and backed by major powers-to tackle one of the most intractable disputes in the Middle East .
Pakistan's diplomatic footprint has expanded dramatically in recent years:
| Conflict | Pakistan's Role | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US-Iran War | Brokered ceasefire, hosted direct talks in Islamabad | Successful |
| Libya Unity | Mediating between rival eastern/western factions | Ongoing |
| Afghanistan | Facilitating dialogue between Taliban and regional powers | Ongoing |
| Saudi-Iran Rapprochement | Backchannel communication | Ongoing |
Pakistan's unique advantage: No other nation maintains working relationships with the United States, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, and China simultaneously-while also having access to both sides of regional conflicts.
According to Pakistani sources, the mediation efforts began late last year at the request of both Libyan sides . The United States is "fully aware and involved" in Islamabad's Libya role, and the effort is also being supported by Saudi Arabia, which signed a mutual defence pact with Pakistan last year .
The proposed "Libya Reunification Plan" would establish a 36-month transitional power-sharing arrangement under a body called the Government of National Consensus and Presidential Council . The plan proposes:
Abdulhamid Dbeibah of the U.N.-recognized western-based Government of National Unity as Prime Minister
Saddam Haftar, deputy commander of the eastern-based Libyan National Army, as Chairman of the Presidential Council
Khalifa Haftar, commander-in-chief of the LNA, would retain authority over the budget
Last month, Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir met Saddam Haftar in Rawalpindi -a meeting that was followed days later by Haftar's visit to Washington, where he met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio . The State Department welcomed Libyan leaders' efforts to overcome divisions and reaffirmed U.S. support for Libyan unity .
While analysts view Pakistan as a secondary player in Libya-where the U.S., UAE, Turkey, and Egypt have wrestled for influence for years-Islamabad has maintained ties with both sides that other regional actors may be lacking .
Key advantages:
Defence ties with both sides: Pakistani officials have pursued defence cooperation with the eastern-based LNA, including possible sales of JF-17 fighter jets and Super Mushshak trainer aircraft. The rival western GNU has also sought direct talks with Pakistan .
Support from major backers: Qatar and Turkey, one of the GNU's biggest backers, encouraged Pakistan to get involved in mediation .
Trusted by both camps: Pakistan's neutrality and its proven track record in US-Iran mediation make it acceptable to all parties.
Pakistan's emergence as a global mediation power reflects:
Strategic vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir
Neutral diplomacy that avoids taking sides
Military credibility demonstrated during the May 2025 victory against India
Relationships with all major regional and global powers
Proven track record in complex negotiations
As one Pakistani source noted, Islamabad would play "an active role in making sure this whole arrangement stays in play" .
Pakistan is not just a mediator-it is becoming the mediator. From Tehran to Tripoli, the world is turning to Islamabad.
