2 weeks Ago By Atle Hetland
Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan who is currently serving a jail sentence in Adiyala Jail, Rawalpindi, in connection with a major corruption case involving the £190 million reference, has recently been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by members of the Pakistan World Alliance (PWA) in collaboration with the Norwegian political party Partiet Sentrum. This curious and rather unsettling development raises serious questions about the criteria and nomination process of the Norwegian Nobel Committee (NNC), especially regarding how it distinguishes between genuine democratic leaders and populist cult figures. It is worth noting that Khan was also nominated in 2019 for his claimed efforts to promote peace in South Asia, particularly with India.
This time, he has been nominated for his supposed commitment to human rights and democracy in Pakistan. Yet, it is baffling to see such a revered and prestigious prize potentially awarded to someone widely accused of eroding democratic norms, inciting unrest, and fuelling political polarisation through deeply flawed policies and rhetoric. Anti-polio campaign set for April 21-25 Is it not the responsibility of the nomination committee to separate fact from fiction? How can someone be nominated for the Peace Prize while having played a central role in fostering chaos, rebellion, division, and political disorder? Awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to a figure who has contributed to political instability and divisiveness in Pakistan would seriously undermine the integrity and credibility of the nomination process.
While many world leaders strive to broker peace and curb conflict, Khan’s role in Pakistan has often been viewed as a source of disruption. He has pursued personal political ambitions at the expense of national unity, and his actions have put countless lives at risk. If this is the standard of merit now applied to Nobel Peace Prize nominations, we may soon witness similarly absurd nominations—such as awarding the prize to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite his widely condemned role in the devastation of Gaza and the killing of thousands of Palestinians, including women and children.
Steps being taken to make Vehari clean, green PROF SAJJAD KHATTAK, Attock. Tags: nomination nobel peace.
