The government of Pakistan is facing significant backlash at the moment. On Friday, Pakistan announced that it would nominate US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize due to his efforts in establishing peace during the India-Pakistan conflict. However, the following day, the US carried out attacks on three Iranian nuclear sites, leading to outrage among Pakistani leaders and prominent figures who expressed their anger over recommending Trump for the Nobel Prize.
Meanwhile, political tension has escalated over Army Chief General Asim Munir being served a deluxe meal at the White House. Munir was invited to dinner by US President Donald Trump. In Pakistan, opposition parties reacted strongly, even demanding that Munir's nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize be immediately withdrawn.
A recommendation letter, signed by Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, has already been sent to the Nobel Peace Prize Committee in Norway.
Questions arose about Pakistan's decision when the US joined Israel's efforts to sabotage Iran's nuclear program by bombing Iran's Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz nuclear facilities.
'Trump’s Claim on Ending War Proves False'
The leading Pakistani newspaper, Dawn, reported that following recent attacks, several influential leaders urged the government to review its decision. Senior politician and leader of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), Maulana Fazlur Rehman, called for the government to retract their decision.
In a party meeting in Murree on Sunday, Fazl told members, 'President Trump's peace claims have proven to be false. The Nobel Prize nomination should be withdrawn.'
Taking aim at Pakistan's Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, Fazl stated that the 'Pakistani rulers were so overjoyed by their meeting and lunch with Trump' that they recommended the US President for the Nobel Prize.
Fazl questioned, 'Trump supported Israeli attacks on Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, and Iran. How can this be a sign of peace? When the blood of Afghans and Palestinians is smeared on America's hands, how can they claim to be peace supporters?'
Trump promoted himself as a 'peace-maker' who would use his negotiation skills to promptly end wars in Ukraine and Gaza, yet both conflicts persisted five months into his presidency.
'Trump Deliberately Waged an Illegal War'
Former Pakistani Senator Mushahid Hussain wrote on X, 'Since Trump is no longer seen as a potential peace-maker but as a leader who has deliberately waged an illegal war, the Pakistan government should review and cancel his Nobel nomination!'
He commented that Trump fell into the trap of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli war lobby, committing what he described as the biggest blunder of his presidency. He said, 'Trump will now preside over America's decline!'
In another post, Mushahid harshly criticized the US attacks on Iran, stating that Trump 'deceived and broke his promise of not starting new wars.'
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MP Ali Muhammad Khan, on his X account, urged the Pakistani government to reconsider its decision.
PTI's Political Think Tank head Rauf Hassan remarked that the government’s decision is now 'a cause of embarrassment to those who played a critical role in making it.'
Hassan sarcastically critiqued the government, saying, 'That’s why it’s said that legitimacy cannot be bought or gifted.'
Former Senator Afrasiab Khattak said, 'The subservience shown by Pakistani ruling elite in nominating President Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize does not reflect ideal conduct in international diplomacy, especially hours before Trump ordered bombings on Iranian nuclear facilities.'
Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Naeemur Rehman remarked that this decision 'diminishes our national dignity and honor.'
Pakistan's former ambassador to the US, Maleeha Lodhi, called the step 'unfortunate,' noting that it was not a decision made by the people.
