Pakistan Emerges as Mediator in War-Torn Libya

On Jul 7, 2026

Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan has reportedly started playing a quiet diplomatic role in efforts to bridge the divide between Libya’s rival eastern and western administrations, a move that could further enhance Islamabad’s growing profile as a regional mediator if successful.

According to sources familiar with the development, Pakistan has been facilitating contacts between the competing Libyan factions for several months as part of broader international efforts to encourage a political settlement in the conflict-ridden North African country, Reuters reported.

Libya has remained divided between rival governments in the east and west since the instability that followed the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that overthrew longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi.

Sources said Pakistan’s mediation efforts began late last year after representatives from both Libyan sides expressed interest in Islamabad playing a facilitating role. The initiative is taking place alongside broader diplomatic efforts led by the United States to help advance a political solution, the report added.

Officials familiar with the process said Washington is fully aware of Pakistan’s engagement, while Saudi Arabia is also supporting the initiative. However, the extent of coordination with other regional stakeholders has not been publicly disclosed.

The diplomatic initiative follows a series of high-level engagements between Pakistan and Libyan officials. Last month, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, met eastern Libyan military commander Saddam Haftar in Rawalpindi. The meeting was followed by Haftar’s visit to Washington, where he held talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Following those discussions, the US State Department reiterated its support for Libya’s unity and welcomed efforts by Libyan leaders to overcome political divisions and advance national reconciliation.

Libya’s western-based Government of National Unity (GNU) has also sought direct engagement with Pakistan, reflecting Islamabad’s growing diplomatic contacts with both sides of the conflict.

Qatar and Türkiye, both of which maintain close ties with the western Libyan administration, were reportedly among the countries that encouraged Pakistan to take on a mediation role.

If the initiative gains momentum, it would add to Pakistan’s recent diplomatic engagements in regional conflict resolution and further strengthen its position as a facilitator of dialogue in complex international disputes.

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