PTI says Imran Khan nominated for Nobel Prize - does it hold any significance?

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) claimed on Friday that former Prime Minister Imran Khan has been nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, as announced by the Pakistan World Alliance (PWA). However, as per the rules outlined by the Nobel Foundation, a mere nomination does not hold any official recognition or affiliation with the prestigious award.

PTI's official account on X (formerly Twitter) stated that members of the Pakistan World Alliance (PWA) are affiliated with the Norwegian political party Partiet Sentrum.

“This nomination stands as a testament to Imran Khan’s unwavering struggle for peace and his 28 years of relentless efforts for democracy, the rule of law, and human rights. A well-deserved recognition for a great leader—Imran Khan,” PTI wrote in its post.

A video statement by a PWA member further elaborated on the nomination, saying,“We are pleased to announce, on behalf of Partiet Sentrum, that in alliance with an individual who has the right to nominate candidates for the Nobel Peace Prize, we have nominated Mr. Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, for his work in human rights and democracy in Pakistan. I wish him all the luck. Thank you.”

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While the announcement sparked excitement among PTI supporters, nominations are not endorsements.

Anyone eligible can submit a nomination, but it does not imply official recognition or validation by the Norwegian Nobel Committee.

The nomination process is confidential. The list of nominees and nominators remains sealed for 50 years, meaning public declarations do not hold weight.

According to the official Nobel Prize website, "Any person or organisation can be nominated by anyone eligible to nominate. There is no vetting of nominations prior to the deadline, hence the Norwegian Nobel Committee has no influence on the quality of submissions. The task of the Committee is strictly limited to selecting the best candidate(s) among the entire list of submissions."

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"To simply be nominated is therefore not an official endorsement or honor extended by the Nobel Committee, and may not be used to imply affiliation with the Nobel Peace Prize or its related institutions."

The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winners will be announced between October 7 and 14, alongside awards in Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, and Economics. The award is given to individuals who have made the "greatest benefit to humanity," in accordance with Alfred Nobel's will. 

Nominations for the Nobel Prize must be submitted in January, and the final decision is made behind closed doors before the official announcement in October.

It is worth noting that Imran Khan was previously nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009 for his efforts in promoting peace in South Asia.

Currently, Khan remains imprisoned in Adiala Jail since August 2023, facing multiple corruption and other legal cases. His party has launched aggressive protests and international campaigns calling for his release. His supporters allege that the charges against him are politically motivated and part of a domestic and foreign conspiracy that led to his ouster from power.

Several international political figures have also demanded his release.