Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has defended Pakistan’s decision to nominate U.S. President Donald Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize. Speaking at a press conference in London, he said Trump played a key role in easing tensions between Pakistan and India. The conflict escalated after India accused Pakistan of involvement in the April 22 Pehalgam attack. Following India’s airstrikes, Pakistan responded with force, raising fears of a nuclear war. Shehbaz stated that Trump’s timely intervention “saved the region from major destruction.”
In June, Pakistan formally nominated Trump for the prestigious award, citing his “decisive diplomatic intervention” during the May crisis. The Prime Minister emphasized that if Trump had not stepped in, the consequences could have been catastrophic. He credited Trump with bringing both nations to a ceasefire and preventing large-scale loss of life. Shehbaz added that Trump’s efforts in other global conflicts, such as Ethiopia-Egypt tensions and the war in Ukraine, also show his leadership. “Trump played a crucial role in maintaining peace,” he noted.
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Speaking about his recent visit to the United States, Shehbaz called it “very fruitful and successful.” He met Trump on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly session. During their meeting, Trump co-chaired a key discussion on the Gaza conflict, involving leaders from Muslim-majority countries. Shehbaz said this meeting might soon lead to a ceasefire in Gaza. He strongly condemned the ongoing violence in the region and voiced Pakistan’s full support for the Palestinian people.
Addressing the India-Pakistan conflict further, Shehbaz accused India of “weaponizing” the Indus Waters Treaty against Pakistan. He praised the Pakistani armed forces for their strong response during the crisis. The Prime Minister credited Field Marshal Saeed Asim Munir for leading the forces with courage and professionalism. He also acknowledged the Pakistan Air Force for its swift and strategic defense actions. “Pakistan is a responsible nuclear power, and we acted only in self-defense,” he stressed.
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Shehbaz concluded by highlighting Pakistan’s growing diplomatic role on the global stage. He said the country is committed to peace but will always defend itself if provoked. He expressed pride in the unity of Pakistan’s people and the strength of its military. The Prime Minister’s comments have sparked both support and criticism internationally. However, he stood firm on Pakistan’s decision to recognize Trump’s diplomatic efforts with a Nobel Prize nomination.