Pakistan is once again attempting to position itself on the international stage as a mediator for peace. Following its previous efforts to address tensions between the US and the Taliban, as well as between Iran and the US, Islamabad has now set its sights on resolving the internal crisis in Libya. Negotiations in the country, which was once led by Muammar Gaddafi, are currently in their preliminary stages, with Pakistan acting as a broker between the two rival centers of power. Notably, this peace initiative comes only a few months after Pakistan finalized a massive defense deal worth over 4 billion dollars, equivalent to more than 33,000 crore rupees, with the military faction in Eastern Libya.
A Divided Nation and Struggle for Power
For several years, Libya has been effectively split between two factions. On one side, there is the UN-recognized government based in the West, and on the other, the military commander Khalifa Haftar holds sway over Eastern Libya. A prolonged power struggle has persisted between these entities. According to reports, both sides reached out to Pakistan to solicit assistance in facilitating dialogue. Since late 2025, Islamabad has been actively working to bridge the gap between these opposing groups.
Global Interests Behind the Scenes
The United States is fully aware of Pakistan's behind-the-scenes diplomatic maneuvering and is involved in the process. Furthermore, regional powers including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey have expressed their support for Pakistan's initiative. At the heart of these negotiations is a 36-month plan aimed at forming a new government in Libya. The proposal suggests that Abdulhamid Dbeibah, the head of the UN-recognized Western government, would remain Prime Minister. Meanwhile, Saddam Haftar, the son of the powerful military commander Khalifa Haftar, would be appointed as the Chairman of the Presidential Council. Given that Khalifa Haftar’s forces control the majority of Libya’s oil wells and strategic locations, their faction would effectively retain control over the national budget.
The Economic Incentive of Defense Deals
Significant economic interests are driving Pakistan’s diplomatic strategy. In December 2025, Pakistan entered into the largest defense export agreement in its history with the Eastern Libyan army. This deal, valued at over 4 billion dollars, includes the sale of 16 JF-17 fighter jets and 12 Super Mushshak trainer aircraft. The agreement was finalized following a high-profile meeting between Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir and Saddam Haftar.
Weapons Embargoes and Strategic Ambitions
The entire deal has drawn global attention because the United Nations has maintained an arms embargo on Libya since 2011. Despite this, Pakistani officials maintain that they have not violated any international regulations, arguing that various other nations are also providing military assistance to Libyan factions. Through this entry into the Libyan landscape, Pakistan aims to expand its influence across North Africa while attempting to establish itself as a significant supplier of military hardware on the global stage.
