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Pakistan Mediates Libya Power-Sharing Proposal

Acceptance by regional patrons would give eastern commanders budget control over Libya's oil.

Demonstrators demand the overthrow of the Libya's Government of National Unity headed by Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah, in Martyrs' Square in Tripoli, Libya. May 16, 2025.  REUTERS/Ayman al-Sahili/File Photo
A man holds a picture of commander Khalifa Haftar during Independence Day celebrations in Benghazi, Libya December 24, 2022. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo
Libya's President of the Presidential Council Mohammed al-Menfi addresses the 80th United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters in New York, U.S., September 25, 2025. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz/File Photo
The prime minister of Libya's U.N.-recognised Government of National Unity, Abdulhamid Dbeibah, reacts on the day he meets Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at Chigi Palace, in Rome, Italy, May 7, 2026. REUTERS/Remo Casilli/File Photo

Overview

  • Pakistan has quietly opened mediation between Libya's rival eastern and western authorities after being asked by both sides and beginning efforts in late 2025.
  • A circulated 'Libya Reunification Plan' proposes a 36-month transition with Abdulhamid Dbeibah as prime minister and Saddam Haftar as chair of a Presidential Council and would give eastern forces authority over the budget.
  • Pakistan's army chief, Asim Munir, met Saddam Haftar in Rawalpindi and Haftar then visited Washington to meet Secretary of State Marco Rubio, actions that Reuters and other outlets reported as part of recent shuttle diplomacy.
  • Pakistani sources say the United States is aware and involved in Islamabad's effort and that Saudi Arabia is backing the initiative, while Qatar and Turkey encouraged Pakistan's role.
  • Analysts warn the plan faces steep hurdles because rival foreign backers, disputed election rules, control of oil revenues and questions over defence ties and the U.N. arms embargo could quickly unravel any agreement.