Pakistan has begun quietly mediating between Libya's rival eastern and western power centers in an effort to foster national unity, according to two Pakistani sources familiar with the initiative. This previously unreported diplomatic engagement, which began late last year, comes amid ongoing international attempts to find a political resolution to Libya’s prolonged division following the 2011 civil war. Should the mediation succeed, it would enhance Pakistan’s diplomatic profile on the global stage.

Libya remains split between two main administrations: the UN-recognized Government of National Unity based in the west, and a rival eastern administration aligned with the Libyan National Army (LNA), led by Khalifa Haftar. The division has persisted since the overthrow of former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, with both sides protected by various foreign patrons and competing interests, notably over control of oil revenues and political authority.

The Pakistani effort reportedly enjoys the backing of Saudi Arabia, a key regional player with longstanding interests in Libya. Islamabad and Riyadh signed a mutual defense pact last year, further strengthening their diplomatic ties. One Pakistani source emphasized that Washington is “fully aware and involved” in Pakistan’s mediation, noting the US's overall push for a diplomatic settlement in Libya. These sources also mentioned that both eastern and western Libyan sides requested Pakistan's involvement.

A draft “Libya Reunification Plan” circulated among negotiators outlines a 36-month transitional power-sharing framework. It proposes the creation of a Government of National Consensus and a Presidential Council. Under this plan, Abdulhamid Dbeibah, head of the western-based Government of National Unity, would serve as prime minister, while Saddam Haftar, deputy commander of the LNA and son of Khalifa Haftar, would chair the Presidential Council. The proposal would grant Khalifa Haftar control over the national budget and oversight of major oil facilities and infrastructure, which are largely under eastern control.

Pakistan has committed to playing an “active role” to ensure the arrangement remains viable, although details continue to be negotiated. Last month, Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, met with Saddam Haftar in Rawalpindi, followed by Haftar’s visit to Washington where he met with US lawmakers, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The US reiterated its support for Libyan unity and encouraged reconciliation efforts.

While analysts consider Pakistan a secondary actor in Libya’s complex geopolitical arena—dominated by the US, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and Egypt—the country’s unique ties to both rival camps may allow it to contribute meaningfully to peace efforts. It remains unclear, however, how extensively Pakistan coordinates with other regional stakeholders such as Qatar, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia in this mediation initiative. Official comments from Pakistan’s foreign ministry, the Libyan factions, and relevant foreign governments were not available at the time of reporting.