Pakistan‘s Shifting Stance: From Trump Nobel Nomination to condemnation After Iran Strike

islamabad’s initial praise for Donald Trump‘s diplomatic efforts in brokering a ceasefire between Iran and Israel has been met with fierce criticism after the U.S. military bombed Iranian nuclear facilities. The Pakistani government, which had formally nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, now faces accusations of hypocrisy and a demand to withdraw the nomination.

Pakistan’s nobel Nomination and Subsequent reversal

In the early hours of Saturday, June 21, 2025, the Pakistani government lauded Trump’s “legacy of pragmatic diplomacy” and “pivotal leadership,” particularly highlighting his role in securing a ceasefire with India following escalating tensions that began with the killing of tourists in Kashmir in April 2025. This nomination was intended to recognize Trump’s efforts in de-escalating regional conflicts.

Though, just a day later, the same government vehemently condemned Trump’s decision to bomb Iranian nuclear facilities, citing a violation of international law. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif contacted Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian to express his concerns over the U.S. strike, marking a stark contrast to the previous day’s praise.

Did You Know? the Nobel Peace prize can be nominated by members of national assemblies and governments, university professors, and members of international institutions.

Domestic Fallout and Opposition Response

The government’s actions have triggered a wave of criticism from opposition lawmakers, including members of former Prime Minister Imran khan’s party, activists, authors, and former diplomats. senator Musadik Malik defended the nomination, stating that Trump played a crucial role in ensuring a ceasefire between India and Pakistan when both countries were on the brink of nuclear war. However, this defense has done little to quell the growing discontent.

Maleeha Lodhi, former Pakistani ambassador to the U.S., voiced her disapproval on social media, questioning why Pakistan would nominate a leader who violated international law by bombing Iran. She urged those who recommended the nomination to apologize to the Pakistani people.

A senator from the conservative Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) party has even submitted a resolution for the withdrawal of Trump’s Nobel Peace Prize nomination, further highlighting the depth of the opposition.

Trump’s Nobel Ambitions and Other Withdrawals

Donald Trump has long expressed a desire to win the Nobel Peace prize, often contrasting his situation with that of his predecessor, Barack obama, who received the award early in his presidency. While Trump has been nominated multiple times, his chances appear increasingly slim.

Oleksandr Merezhko, the head of Ukraine’s parliamentary foreign committee, recently withdrew his nomination of Trump, citing a loss of faith in the former president’s ability to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine. This withdrawal adds to the growing skepticism surrounding Trump’s peace-making capabilities.

Trump himself acknowledged his doubts about winning the prize, stating on his Truth Social platform that he doesn’t believe he will receive it, regardless of his efforts in resolving conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war and the Iran-Israel tensions.

Pro Tip: Monitoring public sentiment and geopolitical developments is crucial for governments when making decisions about international nominations.

Government’s Defense and Future Implications

Despite the widespread criticism, some Pakistani ministers and government lawmakers continue to defend the nomination. Khawaja Asif, Pakistan’s defense minister, asserted that the government stands by its decision, emphasizing Trump’s role in pushing for a truce between Iran and Israel. He believes that Trump’s peace efforts have prevented major confrontations.

Though, former Senator Mustafa nawaz Khokhar criticized the nomination as “crass flattery,” questioning the need to nominate Trump given Pakistan’s existing role in the India-Pakistan conflict.

This situation raises questions about Pakistan’s foreign policy decision-making and its ability to navigate complex international relations. The government’s shifting stance on Trump reflects the challenges of balancing regional alliances and responding to evolving geopolitical dynamics.

What do you think about Pakistan’s decision to nominate and then condemn Trump? How should nations balance diplomacy with condemnation of actions they disagree with?

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Disclaimer: This article provides a summary of events and does not constitute legal or political advice.

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