Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, is back in the spotlight after being nominated for the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize. Even though he's currently behind bars, his work for human rights and democracy in Pakistan has earned him a spot on this year’s nomination list.
Khan, who made a name for himself as a cricket legend before jumping into politics, was nominated by Norway’s political party, Partiet Sentrum, and the Pakistan World Alliance, a group focused on advocacy for human rights. This isn't his first time on the Nobel radar — he was previously nominated in 2019 for his efforts in promoting peace in South Asia.
In a statement shared on social media, Partiet Sentrum announced their nomination of Khan for the Nobel Peace Prize, emphasizing his dedication to advancing human rights and democracy. “We are pleased to nominate Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, for his tireless work in the fields of human rights and democracy,” the political party said.
Despite being sentenced to a 14-year prison term on charges of corruption, Khan continues to have a strong international presence. Political experts, including Khan himself, argue that the charges against him are politically driven, stemming from his ousting in April 2022. Since losing his position, Khan has faced multiple convictions, including accusations of selling state gifts, leaking state secrets, and an unlawful marriage. However, most of these charges have been overturned or suspended by Pakistani courts.
Despite his legal troubles, Khan’s supporters argue that his political journey and stance on peace have made him a global figure worthy of this honor. In January, he was convicted and sentenced to another 14 years in prison for charges related to corruption and misuse of authority. This recent sentence adds to his growing list of legal battles, but it hasn't dimmed his reputation as a leader pushing for change in Pakistan.
The Nobel Peace Prize is one of the world’s most coveted honors, with hundreds of individuals nominated each year. The winners are chosen after a rigorous eight-month process by the Norwegian Nobel Committee, which considers nominations from MPs, government ministers, university professors, and even previous laureates.
