Pakistan in political turmoil over Donald Trump's nobel bid after US and Israel bomb Iran's Fordow, Isfahan, Natanz facilities

Multiple political leaders and civil society voices in Pakistan have criticised the government's decision to nominate U.S. President Donald Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize. The criticism grew louder after the U.S., alongside Israel, carried out airstrikes on Iran's nuclear sites in Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz.
The nomination letter had already been submitted by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. It praised Trump's role in de-escalating tensions during the recent India-Pakistan conflict. However, opposition leaders now argue that the developments in Iran completely contradict the principles of peace.
Political leaders strongly oppose government move
Veteran JUI-F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman openly condemned the nomination, calling Trump's actions the opposite of peaceful. Speaking at a gathering in Murree, he criticised the government's quick decision following Trump's lunch meeting with Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir. 'How can support for Israeli attacks be seen as a mark of peace?' he questioned.
Former Senator Mushahid Hussain echoed this, accusing Trump of being influenced by Israeli leadership and labelling the Iran strike 'an illegal war.' He demanded that the nomination be 'reviewed, rescinded, and revoked.' PTI lawmaker Ali Muhammad Khan also responded with a direct call to 'reconsider,' highlighting U.S. complicity in Gaza.
Statements continued to pour in from other political parties and public figures. PTI's think-tank head Raoof Hasan described the nomination as 'a source of shame,' while Afrasiab Khattak criticised what he called 'sycophancy' in diplomacy. Jamaat-i-Islami's Naeemur Rehman said the move hurt Pakistan's 'national dignity.'
Public figures join chorus of disapproval
Former diplomat Maleeha Lodhi stated that the nomination did not reflect public sentiment, while journalist Mariana Baabar remarked that the country's image had taken a hit. Author Fatima Bhutto questioned whether the nomination would now be withdrawn, summing up the mood on social media.
With mounting criticism across political and public spheres, pressure is building on Pakistan's government to formally withdraw Donald Trump's Nobel Peace Prize nomination.

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