Former Pakistani PM’s struggle for human rights earns second Nobel Peace Prize nomination

Imran Khan, the former prime minister of Pakistan currently imprisoned, has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for the second time.

This nomination, announced by the Pakistan World Alliance (PWA), an advocacy group founded in December 2024, highlights Khan's efforts in promoting human rights and democracy in Pakistan, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

In a statement released on social media platform X, the PWA, in alliance with Partiet Sentrum, a Norwegian political party, confirmed that Khan was officially nominated for the prestigious award. The nomination recognizes his contributions to human rights and his commitment to democratic principles in a country facing political and social unrest.

"We are pleased to announce on behalf of Partiet Sentrum that, in alliance with someone with the right to nominate, we have nominated Imran Khan for the Nobel Peace Prize for his work with human rights and democracy in Pakistan," the statement read.

Khan was previously nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019 for his efforts to de-escalate tensions between Pakistan and India. This recognition stemmed from his decision to release Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who had been captured during the Balakot airstrikes. The move was seen as a significant step toward de-escalating hostilities between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

Despite the accolades, Khan himself has always downplayed his role in global peace efforts. In response to his first nomination, he wrote on X, “The person worthy of this would be the one who solves the Kashmir dispute according to the wishes of the Kashmiri people and paves the way for peace and human development in the subcontinent.”

However, Khan's career has been marred by legal issues, and he is currently serving multiple prison sentences related to corruption and misuse of authority. Since mid-2023, he has been incarcerated at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. His political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has been in conflict with the federal government, especially after the February 2024 general elections, leading to widespread protests across the country.

In January 2025, Khan was sentenced to 14 years in prison for his involvement in a corruption case. Additionally, he faces numerous legal battles, with some of his convictions related to the unlawful sale of state gifts, leaking state secrets, and an alleged illegal marriage either overturned or suspended by the courts.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee, responsible for selecting the laureates, receives an overwhelming number of nominations each year, and the selection process typically takes up to eight months. Despite the ongoing legal challenges, Khan's nomination has sparked global debate about his legacy and the role of human rights activism in Pakistan’s political landscape.

By Vafa Guliyeva