Pakistan Emerges as Global Mediation Power: Islamabad Quietly Leading Libya Unity Push

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan has quietly begun mediating between Libya's rival eastern and western power centres, according to two Pakistani sources, in a previously unreported diplomatic effort that would further raise Islamabad's global profile as an indispensable mediator if successful .

The development comes just months after Pakistan successfully brokered a ceasefire between the United States and Iran, a role repeatedly credited by the Trump administration . Now, Islamabad is leveraging its unique position-trusted by both sides of complex conflicts and backed by major powers-to tackle one of the most intractable disputes in the Middle East .

Pakistan's Growing Mediation Portfolio

Pakistan's diplomatic footprint has expanded dramatically in recent years:

Pakistan's unique advantage: No other nation maintains working relationships with the United States, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, and China simultaneously-while also having access to both sides of regional conflicts.

Libya: The Next Test of Pakistani Diplomacy

According to Pakistani sources, the mediation efforts began late last year at the request of both Libyan sides . The United States is "fully aware and involved" in Islamabad's Libya role, and the effort is also being supported by Saudi Arabia, which signed a mutual defence pact with Pakistan last year .

The proposed "Libya Reunification Plan" would establish a 36-month transitional power-sharing arrangement under a body called the Government of National Consensus and Presidential Council . The plan proposes:

• Abdulhamid Dbeibah of the U.N.-recognized western-based Government of National Unity as Prime Minister

• Saddam Haftar, deputy commander of the eastern-based Libyan National Army, as Chairman of the Presidential Council

• Khalifa Haftar, commander-in-chief of the LNA, would retain authority over the budget

The Haftar Meeting: A Turning Point

Last month, Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir met Saddam Haftar in Rawalpindi -a meeting that was followed days later by Haftar's visit to Washington, where he met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio . The State Department welcomed Libyan leaders' efforts to overcome divisions and reaffirmed U.S. support for Libyan unity .

Why Pakistan Succeeds Where Others Fail

While analysts view Pakistan as a secondary player in Libya-where the U.S., UAE, Turkey, and Egypt have wrestled for influence for years-Islamabad has maintained ties with both sides that other regional actors may be lacking .

Key advantages:

• Defence ties with both sides: Pakistani officials have pursued defence cooperation with the eastern-based LNA, including possible sales of JF-17 fighter jets and Super Mushshak trainer aircraft. The rival western GNU has also sought direct talks with Pakistan .

• Support from major backers: Qatar and Turkey, one of the GNU's biggest backers, encouraged Pakistan to get involved in mediation .

• Trusted by both camps: Pakistan's neutrality and its proven track record in US-Iran mediation make it acceptable to all parties.

A Global Mediation Power

Pakistan's emergence as a global mediation power reflects:

• Strategic vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir

• Neutral diplomacy that avoids taking sides

• Military credibility demonstrated during the May 2025 victory against India

• Relationships with all major regional and global powers

• Proven track record in complex negotiations

As one Pakistani source noted, Islamabad would play "an active role in making sure this whole arrangement stays in play" .

Pakistan is not just a mediator-it is becoming the mediator. From Tehran to Tripoli, the world is turning to Islamabad.