The Nobel Institute has refuted claims regarding the nomination of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan for the Nobel Peace Prize, calling it a political strategy aimed at securing votes from Pakistanis in Norway.
Christian Berg Harpviken, Director of the Nobel Institute, addressed the reports in a Norwegian newspaper article, stating that the nomination announcement was made prematurely to sway Norwegian-Pakistani voters.
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Harpviken noted that this is the first instance of a leader exploiting a Nobel nomination in a way that has undermined the prestige of the award.
Background of the Nomination
Last month, reports surfaced that Imran Khan was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his contributions to human rights and democracy in Pakistan. The Pakistan World Alliance (PWA), in collaboration with Partiet Sentrum, claimed to have submitted the nomination through an eligible nominator, recognizing Khan’s leadership in democratic reforms.
The announcement praised Khan’s dedication to democracy, human rights, and advocacy for Pakistanis, despite his current imprisonment.
Imran Khan’s Previous Nobel Consideration
In 2019, Khan was previously nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in promoting peace and stability in South Asia, particularly between Pakistan and India.
Every year, the Norwegian Nobel Committee reviews hundreds of nominations, conducting a detailed eight-month selection process before announcing the winner.
Khan’s Legal Troubles
Imran Khan has been in jail since August 2023, currently serving a 14-year sentence on corruption charges. This marks his fourth major conviction, with previous cases involving state gifts, classified leaks, and an unlawful marriage, though some verdicts have been overturned or suspended.
