Pakistan enters the Libyan mediation effort with a proposal to reunify state institutions

Islamabad, Pakistan – Reuters has revealed that Pakistan is leading, behind the scenes, mediation efforts between rival factions in eastern and western Libya,

seeking a political settlement to end years of division, with support from the United States and Saudi Arabia. Other regional actors are also involved in these efforts.

According to two Pakistani sources, the mediation efforts began late last year at the request of both sides in the Libyan conflict.

Washington was also fully aware of Islamabad’s role, a move that could bolster Pakistan’s diplomatic presence if the initiative succeeds.

Transitional plan to reunify Libya

Reuters has seen a summary of a plan titled “The Libyan Reunification Plan,” which outlines a 36-month transition period to be governed by a Government of National Accord and a Presidential Council sharing power.

The proposal stipulates that the head of the Government of National Accord, Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, will remain prime minister during the transition. Saddam Haftar would head the Presidential Council. At the same time, the camp led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar would be granted oversight of the national budget. This arrangement aims to balance the power centers in the country.

One of the sources confirmed that Pakistan will play an active role in monitoring the implementation of this arrangement. Consultations on the final details will continue.

Regional and international support

According to the sources, the Pakistani mediation has Saudi support. At the same time, both Qatar and Turkey, backers of the Government of National Accord in western Libya, have encouraged Islamabad to engage in mediation efforts.

This move also comes amid growing US interest in the Libyan situation. Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir met with Saddam Haftar in Rawalpindi days before Haftar’s visit to Washington and his meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rubio affirmed his country’s continued support for Libyan unity and encouraged any steps to overcome the political division.

Challenges facing the settlement

Analysts believe that the success of any initiative to reunify Libya requires addressing complex issues, including the sharing of oil revenues, the distribution of sovereign positions,

and establishing a framework for elections. These are issues that have thwarted numerous previous initiatives.

Experts also point out that the multitude of regional and international powers involved in the Libyan conflict necessitates strong political and security guarantees for any agreement.

This is essential to ensure its sustainability. The competition for influence within the country has persisted since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi’s regime in 2011.