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Pakistan Quietly Mediates Libya Reunification Talks

Aimed at a proposed 36-month power-sharing transition, the effort will show whether the United States and regional backers can coordinate to make a fragile deal stick.

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

  • Multiple Pakistani sources told Reuters that Islamabad began mediating between Libya’s eastern and western authorities after both sides requested its help late last year.
  • A draft 'Libya Reunification Plan' circulated to reporters outlines a 36-month transition under a Government of National Consensus and a Presidential Council with Abdulhamid Dbeibah as prime minister and Saddam Haftar as council chairman.
  • Pakistani officials say the United States is aware and involved in the initiative and that Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey have encouraged Pakistan’s role, with recent contacts including a meeting between Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir and Saddam Haftar followed by Haftar’s visit to Washington.
  • Analysts and the reporting warn major obstacles remain, including disputes over control of oil revenues, election rules, political appointments, competing foreign patrons and a UN arms embargo that complicates Pakistan’s defence links with the eastern Libyan forces.
  • The plan remains unconfirmed by most parties and negotiators face steep implementation risks, so the next signs to watch are formal endorsement by the rival camps, explicit backing from key external backers and arrangements for enforcing budget, security and oil-sharing rules.