Summary The mediation effort follows months of a US-backed initiative aimed at finding a political settlement in Libya
ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Pakistan has quietly stepped into a diplomatic role by mediating between Libya's rival eastern and western authorities, according to a Reuters report, in a move that could further enhance Islamabad's international standing if successful.
The mediation effort follows months of a US-backed initiative aimed at finding a political settlement in Libya, which has remained divided between competing eastern and western administrations since the civil conflict that erupted after the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that overthrew former leader Muammar Gaddafi.
The development comes shortly after Pakistan played a significant role in facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran earlier this year, an effort that earned repeated praise from the administration of Donald Trump.
According to Pakistani sources cited by Reuters, the United States is "fully aware and involved" in Islamabad's mediation efforts in Libya. The initiative is also reportedly receiving support from Saudi Arabia. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a mutual defence agreement last year, further strengthening bilateral cooperation.
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.
