The Nobel Institute has dismissed reports that Imran Khan, founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by Norway’s Centre Party, calling it a strategy to gain votes from Pakistanis living in Norway.
Christian Berg Harpviken, Director of the Nobel Institute, addressed the claims in an article for a Norwegian newspaper, explaining that the early announcement of the nomination aimed to influence Norwegian Pakistani voters. He added that this was the first time a leader had used a Nobel nomination in such a manner, which had ultimately tarnished the Nobel Prize’s reputation.
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Earlier, it was reported that Imran Khan had been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by the Pakistan World Alliance (PWA) and Partiet Sentrum. The nomination recognized Khan for his efforts to promote human rights and democracy in Pakistan, particularly his leadership while imprisoned.
Imran Khan had been previously nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019 for his efforts to maintain peace and stability in South Asia, especially between Pakistan and India. Every year, the Norwegian Nobel Committee reviews numerous nominations before selecting the Peace Prize winner after an extensive eight-month evaluation process.
Currently imprisoned since August 2023, Imran Khan is serving a 14-year sentence after being convicted on corruption charges, marking his fourth major conviction. However, earlier cases regarding state gifts, leaking classified information, and an unlawful marriage were either overturned or suspended by the courts.
