Pakistan Mediates Power-Sharing Deal to Reunify Libya

The Government of Pakistan is mediating talks between the rival eastern and western administrations in Libya to facilitate a political settlement and national reunification. Initiated late last year at the request of both Libyan factions, the diplomatic effort is supported by the United States and Saudi Arabia, with further encouragement from Qatar and Türkiye.

The proposed Libya Reunification Plan outlines a 36-month transitional power-sharing arrangement under a Government of National Consensus and a Presidential Council. Under this framework, Abdulhamid Dbeibah, leader of the western-based Government of National Unity, would serve as prime minister. Saddam Haftar, deputy commander of the eastern-based Libyan National Army, is proposed as chairman of the Presidential Council, while his father, Khalifa Haftar, would maintain authority over the national budget and oil revenues.

Recent diplomatic activity includes a meeting in Rawalpindi between Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir and Saddam Haftar, followed by a visit from Haftar to Washington to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Separately, Pakistan is exploring defense ties with the Libyan National Army, including the potential sale of JF-17 fighter aircraft and Super Mushak trainer planes, despite a UN arms embargo. This initiative follows Pakistan's previous role in facilitating communication between the United States and Iran.