Credited from: REUTERS
Pakistan has officially announced plans to recommend US President Donald Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, crediting his "decisive diplomatic intervention" during the recent military crisis with India. An official statement from Islamabad highlighted Trump's role in brokering a ceasefire, stating that "President Trump demonstrated great strategic foresight and stellar statesmanship through robust diplomatic engagement" that helped de-escalate a rapidly deteriorating situation between the two nuclear-armed nations, according to aa, reuters, and aljazeera.
The Pakistani government's announcement comes amidst shifting regional dynamics, complicated by Trump’s recent military actions. Following the nomination, the US conducted strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, drawing criticism from Pakistan. The foreign ministry condemned the attacks as a violation of international law, emphasizing the risks of further regional escalation. This abrupt change in tone has led to accusations of diplomatic inconsistency, as noted by former ambassador Maleeha Lodhi who remarked, "You can't praise a man for peace one day and stay silent when he orders bombings the next," according to bbc and indiatimes.
In India, the government has dismissed claims of US mediation, insisting that the ceasefire resulted from bilateral communication rather than third-party involvement. This response reflects India’s ongoing reluctance to accept external mediation in the Kashmir issue and underscores the complicated nature of US-Pakistan relations. Trump's claims of having averted nuclear war have also sparked debates within Pakistani political circles, where some leaders have urged the government to reconsider its nomination due to Trump's controversial foreign policy actions, as reported by dawn and indiatimes.
As the nomination has gained attention, diverse opinions have emerged, with some Pakistani politicians expressing concern. Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman voiced disapproval, stating that nominating Trump compromises Pakistan's dignity, particularly in light of his support for Israel’s military actions in Gaza and elsewhere. This sentiment echoes the view of various other politicians who advocate for a review of the nomination, pointing out that Trump's recent military actions contradict the peace efforts that Pakistan credits him with, according to indiatimes and dawn.