Imran Khan Nominated for Nobel Peace Prize for the Second Time
Former Prime Minister of Pakistan and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder, Imran Khan, has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize 2024. The nomination comes at a time when Khan is imprisoned on corruption and other charges, sparking debates over political persecution and democracy in Pakistan. This is the second time Khan has been nominated for the prestigious award, with his first nomination occurring in 2019 for his peace efforts between India and Pakistan.
Why Was Imran Khan Nominated?
Imran Khan’s 2024 Nobel Peace Prize nomination is based on his continued struggle for human rights, democracy, and political freedom in Pakistan. The nomination was jointly submitted by Norway’s political party, Partiet Sentrum, and the Pakistan World Alliance. They recognize Khan’s efforts to uphold democratic values despite facing political suppression.
Khan has been vocal about his removal from office in April 2022 through a no-confidence motion, which he claims was orchestrated by the military and ruling coalition. His arrest in August 2023 led to nationwide protests, with his supporters alleging that the charges against him were politically motivated.
Previous Nobel Peace Prize Nomination in 2019
Imran Khan was previously nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019 for his role in de-escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pulwama attack. His decision to release Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman as a peace gesture was widely praised on the international stage. However, he did not win the award that year.
Imran Khan’s Legal Troubles and Political Challenges
Currently, Imran Khan is facing multiple charges, including corruption, violation of national security laws, and an alleged illegal marriage case. In January 2024, he was sentenced to 14 years in prison for abuse of power. His supporters, however, claim that these cases are part of a broader crackdown on political opposition.
Despite his imprisonment, Khan remains a significant political figure in Pakistan. The PTI party has faced severe restrictions, with many of its key leaders either arrested or forced into exile. The ongoing political unrest in Pakistan has drawn international attention, especially concerning human rights and democratic governance.
Nobel Peace Prize Selection Process
The Nobel Peace Prize receives hundreds of nominations every year. The Norwegian Nobel Committee will review all nominees and announce the winner in October 2024. If Imran Khan wins, he will become Pakistan’s first Nobel Peace Prize laureate. However, given his current legal troubles and controversial image, his nomination has sparked global discussions on justice, democracy, and political freedom.
