Pakistan emerges as mediator in Libya unity talks, sources say

Monday 06 - 15:30

By: Sahili Aya

Pakistan emerges as mediator in Libya unity talks, sources say

Pakistan has reportedly begun mediating between Libya’s rival political factions in a new diplomatic initiative aimed at advancing national reconciliation in the divided North African country, according to Pakistani sources familiar with the effort.

The previously undisclosed initiative seeks to facilitate dialogue between Libya’s competing eastern and western power centers, which have remained politically fragmented since the aftermath of the 2011 uprising that led to the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi.

According to the sources, Pakistan’s mediation complements broader international efforts to support a political settlement in Libya. The initiative is said to have the backing of several key international stakeholders, including the United States, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey, although no official confirmation has been issued by those governments.

Libya has remained divided for years between rival administrations based in the east and west of the country, with repeated attempts to establish a unified government facing setbacks due to political rivalries, competing armed groups, and foreign involvement.

Diplomatic efforts have intensified in recent months as international actors seek to revive negotiations capable of producing a lasting political agreement and paving the way for stable national institutions and future elections.

Despite renewed momentum, significant challenges remain. Control over Libya’s vast oil resources, competing political interests, and the influence of external powers continue to complicate negotiations and make a comprehensive settlement difficult to achieve.

If successful, Pakistan’s involvement would represent a notable expansion of its diplomatic role beyond South Asia, positioning Islamabad as a facilitator in one of the region’s most complex political crises.

Neither Libyan authorities nor Pakistan’s government had officially commented on the reported mediation efforts at the time of publication.