By ABDULLAH 
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has strongly defended his government’s decision to nominate former US President Donald Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, describing his role as “decisive” in preventing a major conflict between Pakistan and India earlier this year.
Speaking at a press conference in London, the prime minister said Islamabad formally recommended Trump because his diplomatic intervention during the May escalation “saved the region from major destruction.”
“Mr. Trump eased tension between Pakistan and India and saved the region from immense destruction. Without his mediation, the situation could have been far worse,” PM Shehbaz told reporters.
The government of Pakistan had already announced in June that it would put forward Trump’s name for the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize 2026. The move followed his mediation efforts after New Delhi blamed Islamabad for the April 22 Pehalgam attack in occupied Kashmir — an allegation Pakistan firmly rejected.
The crisis quickly escalated into cross-border airstrikes and retaliatory strikes by Pakistan, raising fears of a nuclear conflict. However, US-led diplomacy and Trump’s direct engagement with both sides helped de-escalate tensions.
Trump himself later claimed that American intervention had prevented a “bad nuclear war” between the two nuclear-armed nations.
PM Shehbaz credited Trump not only for his role in defusing Pakistan-India tensions but also for his broader efforts in peace-building across the globe:
- Ethiopia and Egypt: Trump contributed to calming disputes over the Nile dam issue.
- Ukraine: His behind-the-scenes diplomacy “helped ease tensions” in Europe.
- Middle East: At the UN, Trump co-chaired a Gaza peace meeting where constructive talks took place on a possible ceasefire.
“These examples show that genuine leadership is measured by lives saved and peace preserved,” Shehbaz said.
Shehbaz highlighted his meeting with Trump during the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York, calling it “fruitful and successful.” He stressed that the session allowed Pakistan to present its stance on regional peace and the Gaza conflict.
“Since 2023, Gaza has witnessed immense oppression. At the UN, we raised our voice strongly in support of Palestinian brothers and sisters, calling for an end to bloodshed,” he noted.
The prime minister also addressed Pakistan’s defence readiness, recalling how the country responded to Indian “aggression” earlier this year.
He praised the armed forces, led by Field Marshal Asim Munir, and the Air Force under Air Marshal Zaheer Babar, for ensuring that the world realized Pakistan is not only a nuclear state but also fully capable in conventional warfare.
While highlighting diplomatic achievements, the prime minister also addressed the devastating 2025 floods that struck Pakistan.
For the first time in decades, both Punjab’s industrial heartland and rural areas were submerged, causing billions in damages, destroying farms, and displacing thousands of people.
“Over 1,000 lives have been lost, hundreds of thousands injured, and countless families displaced. Yet our spirits are high, and we will overcome this challenge,” Shehbaz said, stressing that the government is working on relief and recovery plans.
Pakistan’s decision to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize has already sparked debate. Critics argue that Trump’s political record is divisive, but supporters highlight his pragmatic diplomacy and role in preventing war.
For Pakistan, the government maintains that Trump’s timely mediation in South Asia makes the nomination logical and necessary.
As the Nobel Committee prepares for its 2026 deliberations, the debate continues: should Donald Trump be honored with the Nobel Peace Prize for helping reduce regional tensions?