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🛒 تسوق الآنPakistan's intervention in Libya crisis will be security-focused, backs US settlement: analyst
Pakistan's intervention in Libya crisis will be security-focused, backs US settlement: analyst
Islamabad's role shifts from mediation to security guarantees as $4B defense deal raises concerns in western Libya
Libyan political analyst Kamil Al-Mer'ash has stated that Pakistan's growing involvement in the Libyan crisis will take a security-oriented character, supporting the broader American-led settlement framework while raising concerns among factions in western Libya.
In exclusive remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, Al-Mer'ash confirmed that Pakistan's entry into the Libyan file is primarily security-driven, aimed at stabilizing the security environment rather than deepening political divisions among Libyan rivals.
Western Libya unease over Pakistan-LNA arms deal
The analyst pointed to growing unease among multiple parties in western Libya — particularly within the Government of National Unity (GNU) — over the $4 billion defense agreement concluded between Pakistan and Libyan National Army commander Saddam Haftar. The deal, which includes military equipment sales and training cooperation, has fueled suspicions in Tripoli that Islamabad may be tilting toward the eastern camp.
Washington's calculated choice of mediator
According to Al-Mer'ash, Washington deliberately selected Islamabad as a go-between to contain these fears. "The United States chose Pakistan as a mediator to affirm that military cooperation between Pakistan and eastern Libya will not turn into a political or military alliance against western Libya," he told Asharq Al-Awsat.
The analyst explained that this calculated move reflects a dual strategy: leveraging Pakistan's growing security relationship with eastern Libya while maintaining the integrity of U.S.-led political reconciliation efforts that require buy-in from both sides.
Pakistan's quiet mediation between Libya's rival camps
Reuters reported on July 6 that Pakistan had quietly begun mediating between Libya's rival eastern and western power centers in a previously unreported effort. Two Pakistani sources confirmed the initiative, noting support from the United States and Saudi Arabia.
In December 2025, Pakistan's army chief visited Benghazi for talks with LNA commander Khalifa Haftar — a visit Al-Mer'ash described as part of a "parallel track between politics and military preparation." In February 2026, Pakistani and Libyan military chiefs met in Rawalpindi to further defense cooperation.
Neutrality as a strategic asset
Al-Mer'ash emphasized that Pakistan's ability to maintain neutrality is critical to the success of the American settlement roadmap. "Pakistan's commitment to neutrality in this file would support the efforts of the American settlement in Libya," he said.
However, this neutrality is being tested. The GNU in Tripoli has expressed reservations about the scale of Pakistan's military engagement with the LNA, while eastern factions view the relationship as recognition of their legitimate security role.
Implications for Libya's fragile political landscape
Pakistan's deepening involvement arrives at a precarious moment. The country remains divided between the GNU in Tripoli and the parallel eastern administration aligned with the LNA, more than a decade after the 2011 uprising.
Efforts to unify state institutions and hold national elections have repeatedly stalled over disputes on electoral laws, the role of the military, and oil revenue distribution. Against this backdrop, any external intervention carries weight beyond its immediate scope.
Analysts suggest Pakistan's security role could help stabilize LNA-held areas, potentially creating conditions for a broader political settlement. But deepening military ties with one side risks hardening divisions, making reunification more difficult.
Regional and international dimensions
The U.S. endorsement of Pakistan's mediation reflects Washington's preference for burden-sharing with regional allies in North Africa. Saudi Arabia's involvement adds Gulf weight to a process that has seen multiple failed mediation attempts by the UN, Egypt, Turkey, and others.
Pakistan has been expanding its diplomatic footprint across Africa as part of a broader strategic outreach. The Libya file offers Islamabad an opportunity to position itself as a credible security actor in the Mediterranean — a region where it has historically played a limited role.
— Libya Press / News Desk
