Jailed former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. This is not his first nomination. Khan, currently incarcerated, faces multiple legal challenges. The Norwegian Nobel Committee will review the nomination.
Imran Khan, the former prime minister of Pakistan, has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for the second time. The nomination comes while the former Pakistani PM is serving a jail sentence, adding to the global attention surrounding his political and legal battles. Moreover, the recognition was announced by Partiet Sentrum, a Norwegian political group, in alliance with an individual authorized to submit nominations.
A Second Nomination for Peace Efforts
This is not the first time Imran Khan has been considered for this prestigious award. In 2019, he was nominated for his efforts to reduce tensions between Pakistan and India. His decision to release captured Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was seen as an attempt to ease hostility in the region.
Partiet Sentrum stated on X, “We are pleased to announce on behalf of Partiet Sentrum that in alliance with somebody with the right to nominate, we have nominated Mr. Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, to the Nobel Peace Prize for his work with human rights and democracy in Pakistan.”
Imran Khan’s Legal Struggles
Khan has been behind bars since August 2023 and was sentenced to 14 years in prison earlier this year in a corruption-related case. Former Pakistani PM other convictions, including those linked to state secrets and financial misconduct, have been overturned or are under review. Moreover, Khan and his supporters claim the charges are politically motivated.
Nobel Peace Prize Winners Who Were in Jail
If Khan wins, he would join the ranks of several Nobel laureates who received the prize while incarcerated:
- Carl Von Ossietzky (1935): A German journalist who was jailed for opposing Adolf Hitler’s regime.
- Aung San Suu Kyi (1991): Myanmar’s pro-democracy leader, awarded while under house arrest.
- Liu Xiaobo (2010): A Chinese activist who spent years in prison for advocating democratic reforms.
- Ales Bialiatski (2022): A Belarusian rights activist who shared the prize with groups from Russia and Ukraine.
- Narges Mohammadi (2023): An Iranian advocate for women’s rights, imprisoned for speaking against restrictive laws.
Former Pakistani PM: A Divisive Figure in Pakistan
Khan’s nomination has sparked mixed reactions. His party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and supporters view it as recognition of his struggle for democracy. However, his critics argue that his political actions, including allegations of inciting unrest, make him a controversial figure.
Lastly, the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner will be announced in October after the Norwegian Nobel Committee reviews all nominations.
