Imran Khan, the jailed former prime minister of Pakistan, has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his contributions to human rights and democracy. The nomination was announced by the Norwegian political party Partiet Sentrum in collaboration with members of the Pakistan World Alliance (PWA), an advocacy group formed in December.
“We are pleased to announce on behalf of Partiet Sentrum that in alliance with somebody with the right to nominate, we have nominated Imran Khan, the former prime minister of Pakistan, to the Nobel Peace Prize,” the party stated on X.
This is the second time Khan, 72, has been nominated for the prestigious award. He was previously considered in 2019 for promoting peace in South Asia, including his role in de-escalating tensions between Pakistan and India after the Pulwama attack.
Khan’s Legal Troubles and Political Struggles
Each year, the Norwegian Nobel Committee reviews hundreds of nominations before selecting a laureate through an intensive eight-month process.
Khan, the founder of the opposition party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has been behind bars since August 2023. In January, a court sentenced him to 14 years in prison in a corruption case linked to the misuse of state gifts.
This was his fourth major conviction. Other charges, including those related to leaking classified information and an unlawful marriage, were later overturned or suspended.
The former cricket star turned politician was removed from office in April 2022 following a no-confidence vote. He denies all allegations, claiming they are politically motivated. His supporters argue that his imprisonment is an attempt to keep him from contesting future elections.
Khan remains a highly influential figure in Pakistani politics. His party, despite facing crackdowns and legal battles, continues to have strong grassroots support. His nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize adds another dimension to his ongoing struggle for political survival.
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