Vineeta Rao
Auckland, April 4, 2025
Beleaguered Pakistani politician and former Cricket legend Imran Khan may be incarcerated, but that has not stopped him from continuing to make waves.
On 31 March, the Pakistan World Alliance (PWA), an advocacy group founded in December, announced his nomination for the prestigious prize, recognising his contribution to human rights and democratic values. The PWA is affiliated with the Norwegian political party Partiet Sentrum.
“We are pleased to announce on behalf of Partiet Sentrum that in alliance with somebody with the right to nominate, have nominated Imran Khan, a Former Prime Minister of Pakistan, to the Nobel Peace Prize for his work with human rights and democracy in Pakistan,” Partiet Sentrum said on the social media platform X.
This is not Mr Khan’s first nomination. In 2019, he received a nomination for his efforts to foster peace in South Asia.
Narendra Modi
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also put forward as a candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize by emerging market investor Mark Mobius, who praised him for his diplomatic acumen and ability to engage with all sides of the political spectrum, from Trump to Putin to Trudeau.
“PM Modi is not only a great leader but also a great human being — a very good person. His international role will continue to grow because he can engage with all sides of the political spectrum, making him a potential key peacemaker,” Mobius said.
Imran’s troubles – Nobel or Noble?
In his own country, however, Mr Khan has found himself accused of the opposite and has been charged with inciting riots in Pakistan.
He has been incarcerated since August 2023 on multiple charges.
The former Cricketer entered the political fray when he established the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Party in 1996, the main Opposition Party. In 2018, he became the Prime Minister of Pakistan, despite allegations of election rigging. Since then, he has had a rocky time. However, through his struggles, the 72-year-old leader has continued to espouse democratic values in Pakistan.
In January this year, in his fourth major conviction, he received a 14-year sentence, the longest sentence he has received so far, relating to allegations of misuse of authority and corruption.
Three of his earlier convictions, involving the sale of state gifts, leaking state secrets, and unlawful marriage, were either overturned or suspended by the courts.
Mr Khan maintains his innocence, claiming a political vendetta behind the charges, designed to undermine his political influence.
In April 2022, several opposition parties banded together to file a no-confidence motion in the National Assembly, which eventually saw Imran Khan removed from office. He was eventually replaced by Shehbaz Sharif from the Pakistan Muslim League.
Uncertain outcomes
The Norwegian Nobel Committee, based in Norway, evaluates hundreds of nominations annually in an eight-month-long selection process, punctuated by much deliberation and discussion before announcing a winner.
Mr Khan’s supporters argue that global recognition of his work could highlight the political nature of his convictions and emphasise his contributions to democracy.
Vineeta Rao is an Indian Newslink Reporter based in Auckland.
