UNITED NATIONS: With Libya’s political process still at a deadlock and pressures mounting nationwide, Pakistan has renewed calls for efforts to advance unity, stability and elections. “We underscore the importance of sustained engagement with all Libyan stakeholders to move the political process forward and deliver tangible peace dividends for all citizens. “Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, permanent representative of Pakistan to the United Nations,” told the UN Security Council meeting to discuss UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on Wednesday Since the 2011 uprising that ended the longtime rule of Muammar Qadaffi, subsequent efforts to establish unified governance in Libya have been undermined by institutional fragmentation and competing authorities. Despite a 2020 ceasefire that reduced large-scale hostilities, divisions between rival administrations persist, while UN-led mediation through UNSMIL continues to seek agreement on a constitutional basis and electoral framework via last year’s political roadmap. It has three main goals: agree on election rules so Libya can hold presidential and parliamentary elections, form one unified Government, and hold an inclusive national dialogue to tackle key issues, such as governance, the economy, security, and reconciliation. In his remarks, Ambassador Asim Ahmad reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm support for a Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process, as he said it remains the only viable pathway to achieving lasting peace and prosperity in the country. Noting the lack of progress in advancing the prioritized initial actions for the implementation of the political roadmap, namely the reconstitution of the Board of the High National Elections Commission (HNEC), as well as the amendments to the constitutional and legal framework for elections, the Pakistani envoy said the work undertaken to foster consensus on creating an environment conducive to long-term stability in Libya.
