Exclusive-Pakistan mediating Libya unity push as rival camps seek deal, Pakistani sources say

Pakistan has begun quietly mediating between Libya’s rival eastern and western power centers, according to two Pakistani sources cited by Reuters. The effort, described as previously unreported, follows months of monitoring a U.S.-led push for a diplomatic solution amid Libya’s split administrations after the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi. The Pakistani role may raise Islamabad’s diplomatic profile if it succeeds, with one source saying the U.S. was “fully aware and involved” in Pakistan’s Libya involvement. Saudi Arabia is also said to be supporting the initiative, after Islamabad and Riyadh struck a mutual defence pact last year. The sources say the mediation began in late 2023 and both Libyan sides requested involvement, though coordination with other stakeholders was unclear. Reuters reports a proposed Libya reunification plan for a 36-month transitional power-sharing arrangement, naming Abdulhamid Dbeibah as prime minister and Saddam Haftar as chair of the Presidential Council.