Trump Nobel Nomination: Fresh Embarrassment for Pakistan, Shahbaz Government Under Fire
Pakistan finds itself embroiled in controversy once again, as the Shahbaz Sharif government faces mounting criticism over its decision to nominate former U.S. President Donald Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize. The backlash erupted shortly after the U.S. conducted airstrikes on three nuclear facilities in Iran, with critics questioning the timing and rationale of the nomination.
The decision has ignited a political storm in Islamabad. On Friday, the Pakistani government unexpectedly announced its endorsement of Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, citing his role in reducing recent tensions between India and Pakistan. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reportedly sent a formal recommendation to the Nobel Committee in Norway, praising Trump’s diplomatic efforts.
However, within hours of the announcement, the U.S. launched strikes on key Iranian nuclear sites, leading to a nationwide outcry. The Shahbaz government is now being accused of poor judgment and aligning itself with a controversial figure amid growing global tensions.
Strong Opposition from Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam
The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) party, led by Maulana Fazlur Rehman, has strongly opposed the move. Rehman called the decision “shameful” and urged the government to immediately retract the nomination. He questioned how someone who has supported military action in Iran, Palestine, Syria, and Lebanon could be seen as a symbol of peace. He further alleged that the nomination followed a private meeting between Trump and Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir.
Trump Promotes War, Not Peace: Mushahid Hussain
Former Member of Parliament Mushahid Hussain echoed similar sentiments, asserting that Donald Trump has lost all credibility as a peace advocate. “Trump is no longer a messenger of peace—he now represents war and division,” Hussain stated. He demanded the government reconsider its stance, warning that Trump is aligned with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and the international war lobby.
PTI Condemns the Move
Leaders from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), including Ali Mohammad Khan, also criticized the decision. Khan questioned the logic behind the nomination and urged for immediate review. Rauf Hasan, PTI’s think tank head, labeled the nomination as a “black mark on Pakistan’s reputation.” He argued that the U.S. strike on Iran was a clear breach of international law and that honoring Trump with a peace prize contradicted global norms and Pakistan’s diplomatic values.
Public Figures and Diplomats Disapprove
The criticism wasn’t limited to political leaders. Prominent figures from civil society also joined the chorus of disapproval. Former ambassador Maleeha Lodhi and noted writer Fatima Bhutto expressed their deep displeasure, calling the move ill-timed and damaging to Pakistan’s image. Senior journalist Mariana Babar also slammed the decision, arguing that it has further diminished Pakistan’s credibility on the global stage.
Government Under Pressure
The Shahbaz Sharif government now finds itself in a difficult position, with both domestic and international pressure mounting. As voices grow louder against the nomination, questions are being raised about whether the government will maintain its current stance or withdraw Trump’s nomination in an effort to contain the political fallout.
Only time will tell how the situation unfolds, but for now, the decision has put Pakistan in an awkward diplomatic spotlight—once again.