Reports from foreign news outlets indicate that Pakistan has initiated backchannel diplomacy to mediate between Libya’s rival eastern and western factions. Two sources confirmed to a news agency that the previously unreported diplomatic effort aims to unify the country after more than a decade of internal division following the 2011 overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi.

However, journalist Talat Hussain has rejected the reports on X, writing in a post ,”Spoke to Pakistani security and foreign office officials on Reuters story. Here is what they said: “Once again Reuters is quoting imaginary sources.”

The development follows months of diplomatic efforts led by the United States (US) to find a political solution for the split administrations. According to the initial reports, Washington is “fully aware and involved” in Islamabad’s mediation role, which also receives backing from Saudi Arabia.

The initiative began late last year at the request of both Libyan factions.

Islamabad’s involvement comes amid its broader diplomatic engagement, including recent mediation between the US and Iran. While regional powers like Turkey, the UAE, and Egypt have long competed for influence in Libya, Pakistan has maintained ties with both sides. Turkey and Qatar reportedly encouraged Pakistan’s involvement.

A summary of the proposed “Libya Reunification Plan” outlines a 36-month transitional power-sharing arrangement under a Government of National Consensus and Presidential Council.

Under the draft proposal, Abdulhamid Dbeibah of the UN-recognized, western-based Libyan Government of National Unity would serve as Prime Minister. Saddam Haftar, the deputy commander of the eastern-based Libyan National Army (LNA), would become the chairman of the Presidential Council.

The faction led by Khalifa Haftar controls Libya’s major oilfields and infrastructure. The proposed framework would grant his camp authority over the national budget. According to the reports, Pakistan would play “an active role in making sure this whole arrangement stays in play.”

The diplomatic track included a meeting last month in Rawalpindi between Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir and Saddam Haftar.

Following that meeting, Haftar traveled to Washington to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The US State Department confirmed that Rubio “welcomed Libyan leaders’ efforts to overcome divisions and reaffirmed U.S. support for Libyan unity.”

According to the reports, Pakistan’s relationship with the eastern faction includes defense engagements, including the potential sale of JF-17 fighter jets and Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, despite an active United Nations arms embargo.

Concurrently, the western-based government recently requested direct talks with Islamabad.