ISLAMABAD, June 23: Pakistani politicians and notable figures have called for the government to reconsider its decision to recommend President Donald Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize after the US bombed Iran’s three nuclear sites. The decision came under scrutiny after the US bombed Iran’s Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz nuclear sites, joining Israel in denting Tehran’s nuclear programme. A letter of recommendation signed by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has already been sent to the Nobel Peace Prize Committee in Norway.
Veteran politician Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who heads the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F), demanded that the government rescind its decision. Fazl questioned how Trump’s recent meeting with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir “pleased Pakistani rulers so much” that they recommended nominating the US president for the Nobel Prize. Trump had campaigned for office as a “peacemaker” who would use his negotiating skills to quickly end wars in Ukraine and Gaza, but both conflicts are still raging five months into his presidency.
Former senator Mushahid Hussain wrote on X, accusing Trump of being trapped by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli war lobby, committing the “biggest blunder of his presidency.” Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) lawmaker Ali Muhammad Khan wrote “reconsider” on his X account, highlighting the “US attack on Iran and continuous US support of Israeli killings in Gaza”.
Raoof Hasan, head of PTI’s political think-tank, said the government’s decision was now a “cause of unmitigated shame and embarrassment for those who were instrumental in making the choice.” He also denounced the US’ “total disregard for international covenants” through attacks on Iran.
The decision has been criticized by Jamaat-i-Islami chief Naeemur Rehman, former ambassador to the US Maleeha Lodhi, and senior journalist Mariana Baabar. Author and activist Fatima Bhutto asked whether Pakistan will withdraw its nomination for Trump to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. (PTI)
