A surprising chorus of voices in Pakistan is calling on the government to retract its nomination of former US President Donald Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, and at the forefront of this appeal is author and activist Fatima Bhutto. She posed a straightforward question: will Pakistan withdraw its nomination of Trump after recent US military action against Iran? . Her stance has quickly become a focal point in a broader national debate.
Earlier this week, following what was described as a “Midnight Hammer” military operation, the United States launched a large-scale strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities. In Islamabad, this move sparked deep unease and intense criticism. Religious and political leaders asserted that nominating Trump under such volatile conditions undermined Pakistan’s sovereignty and moral standing.
Take JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, for instance. He bluntly implored the government to rescind the nomination, emphasizing that while Pakistan values friendship with the US, it will not submit to “slavery”. Similarly, former senator Mushahid Hussain rallied behind the call, describing Trump’s actions as an illegal and reckless war that disqualified him from any peace accolade .
Fatima Bhutto, who commonly addresses human rights and foreign policy, framed her question not just as a query but a moral challenge—can Pakistan, in good conscience, still support Trump for a peace prize after such a controversial maneuver? Her rhetorical push is significant: it reflects unease not only in elite circles but among wider public sentiment.
What’s compelling is the diverse coalition demanding this withdrawal—from religious leaders to liberal activists—united by a concern that the nomination now clashes with basic principles of justice and national interest. It’s a stark reminder that public policy, especially international endorsements, is no longer decided behind closed doors.
With each passing day, the debate gains traction. The government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is under growing pressure to respond. If Islamabad does revoke the nomination, it could reshape how Pakistan balances its geopolitical alliances and asserts its autonomy. In the end, the question isn’t just about Trump or a peace prize—it’s about Pakistan’s evolving identity on the global stage.
