Nobel Peace Prize 2025: Trump and Imran Khan Nominations Ignite Global Debate

Oslo, Norway – With the Nobel Peace Prize announcement set for October 10, 2025, the process has become a lightning rod for controversy as high-profile nominations stir heated debate across continents. The Norwegian Nobel Committee, which received a record 338 nominations this year—244 individuals and 94 organizations—remains tight-lipped about the shortlist, but public disclosures and political maneuvers have thrust several names into the spotlight.

Trump’s Nomination by Pakistan Sparks Backlash

Pakistan’s government made headlines by officially nominating former U.S. President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, citing his "decisive diplomatic intervention" during the recent India-Pakistan conflict. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar praised Trump’s role in mediating a ceasefire last month, crediting him with "critical and pragmatic diplomacy" that averted a wider conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbors. The nomination followed a high-profile meeting between Trump and Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir at the White House, further fueling speculation about the motivations behind Islamabad’s move.

The decision has triggered a storm of criticism within Pakistan. Political figures, journalists, and social media users accused the government of appeasing Washington, especially in the wake of U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and Trump’s vocal support for Israeli actions against Iran. Critics questioned the logic of nominating a leader widely condemned for vetoing Gaza ceasefire resolutions and for his administration’s aggressive foreign policy, with some calling the move a "supreme level of hypocrisy".

India’s Unease and International Reactions

India has expressed concern over the optics of Trump’s nomination, viewing it as an attempt to bolster his claims of having mediated peace in South Asia. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who declined Trump’s recent White House invitation, has remained silent on the matter, but analysts suggest Delhi is wary of the gesture’s implications for regional diplomacy.

Imran Khan’s Nomination by Norwegian Party Draws Criticism

In a separate development, Norway’s Partiet Sentrum nominated jailed former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan for the Nobel Peace Prize, citing his contributions to human rights and democracy. The nomination, facilitated by an unnamed individual with nominating rights, has been criticized in Norway as a political stunt aimed at winning votes, with detractors questioning the appropriateness of honoring a leader currently facing numerous legal challenges.

Secrecy and Speculation Surround the Prize

The Norwegian Nobel Committee does not disclose the identities of nominees or nominators, but qualified individuals—including government officials, academics, and past laureates—can submit nominations. While public announcements by nominators generate headlines, the committee’s deliberations remain confidential, fueling speculation and debate over who truly embodies the spirit of Alfred Nobel’s vision for peace.

Legacy of Controversy

The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, to be awarded in Oslo on December 10, continues to reflect the complexities of global politics. As the world awaits the committee’s decision, the controversies surrounding this year’s prominent nominations underscore the enduring power—and contentiousness—of the prize in shaping international discourse on peace and conflict.