Imran Khan, the former prime minister of Pakistan currently serving a prison sentence, has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his contributions to human rights and democracy.
The nomination was put forward by Norway’s Partiet Sentrum political party in collaboration with the Pakistan World Alliance (PWA), an advocacy group established in December.
This marks the second time Khan has been considered for the prestigious award. In 2019, he was nominated for his efforts to promote peace in South Asia. The Nobel Committee, which reviews hundreds of nominations each year, will evaluate candidates over an eight-month selection process before announcing the winner.
Khan, 72, has been in prison since August 2023. In January, he was sentenced to 14 years on corruption charges, adding to a series of legal battles he has faced. Previous convictions related to state gifts, leaking classified documents, and an unlawful marriage have been overturned or put on hold. His supporters argue that the charges are politically motivated and part of an effort to keep him out of politics.
The former cricket star turned politician led Pakistan from 2018 until his removal in April 2022 through a no-confidence vote. Despite his imprisonment, he remains a key figure in Pakistani politics as the founder of the opposition party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). His nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize has reignited discussions on his legacy and the ongoing political tensions in the country.