Pakistan has announced plans to nominate former US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. The Pakistani government believes that Trump played a significant role in negotiating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan last month.
On social media platform X, the Pakistani government stated that Trump deserves the award for his "decisive diplomatic intervention and pivotal leadership" during the recent crisis between the two countries. This comes after a period of intense fighting that lasted four days, which saw both nations, armed with nuclear weapons, on the brink of conflict.
However, India has pushed back against this narrative, denying that the US acted as a mediator in the ceasefire agreement. The Indian government has expressed a desire to handle its own diplomatic relations without outside influence.
In May, Trump announced the ceasefire, claiming that he had encouraged both nations to stop the fighting. He suggested that maintaining trade relations with the US was a key factor in their agreement to cease hostilities. The Pakistani government echoed this sentiment, praising Trump’s "strategic foresight" and "stellar statesmanship" in resolving the situation.
The announcement of the Nobel nomination has sparked mixed reactions within Pakistan. Mushahid Hussain, a former chair of the Senate Defence Committee, praised the move, stating that Trump has been beneficial for Pakistan. He remarked that if this nomination boosts Trump’s ego, it is worth it, especially given the attention he receives from European leaders.
Conversely, Maleeha Lodhi, Pakistan’s former ambassador to the US, criticized the nomination, calling it "unfortunate." She argued that it undermines Pakistan’s dignity, especially considering Trump’s controversial support for Israel.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed skepticism about receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, stating that no matter what he does, he believes he won’t be awarded it. He has previously criticized former President Barack Obama for winning the prize shortly after taking office.
As the October announcement of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize winner approaches, the nomination of Trump by Pakistan adds an unexpected twist to the ongoing discussions about international diplomacy and peace efforts.