ISLAMABAD – The federal government’s move to nominate former US President Donald Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize has drawn sharp condemnation from opposition leaders and civil society, with critics labeling the nomination as “misguided” and “contrary to national values.”
The nomination, submitted by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, credited Trump for his role in brokering a ceasefire during the recent escalation between Iran and Israel. However, opposition parties argue that the decision undermines Pakistan’s principled stance on international peace, especially in light of Trump’s controversial foreign policy record.
JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman was among the first to denounce the move, stating, “A man responsible for igniting conflicts in Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, and Iran cannot be labeled a peace icon.” He urged the government to retract the nomination immediately.
Former Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed echoed similar sentiments, calling the recommendation an “embarrassment for Pakistan” and a reflection of poor diplomatic judgment.
Leaders from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) also questioned the decision-making process behind the nomination. PTI’s Ali Muhammad Khan demanded to know whether the federal cabinet had approved the move and asked for full disclosure on the motivations behind it. “At a time when Pakistan is condemning US airstrikes on Iran, nominating Trump for a peace prize is nothing short of contradictory,” he said.
Civil society voices also weighed in. Former diplomat Maleeha Lodhi and author Fatima Bhutto publicly criticized the nomination, describing it as “disconnected from reality” and “deeply disappointing for the Pakistani people.”
Analysts have pointed out the irony in Pakistan praising Trump’s peacemaking while simultaneously criticizing the US for recent strikes in the Middle East. Many believe the move has weakened Pakistan’s diplomatic credibility and opened the government to political ridicule.
As of now, the government has not issued a formal response to the growing backlash. Political observers expect the controversy to be taken up in parliament in the coming days.
Reported by PakTribune News Desk
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