(Image source from: x.com/WhiteHouse)

The government of Pakistan has formally put forth a nomination for US President Donald Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, acknowledging his “decisive diplomatic engagement and leadership" during the crisis between India and Pakistan in 2025. Islamabad attributes Trump's involvement to the prevention of what could have been a disastrous conflict between these two nuclear nations. This announcement was made public on Friday, June 20, 2025, after a period of heightened cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan that unfolded in May 2025. Pakistan’s official statement indicates that the crisis was sparked by what it termed “unprovoked and unlawful" aggression from India, which infringed upon Pakistani sovereignty and resulted in civilian injuries. Consequently, Pakistan initiated “Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos," described as a calibrated military response aimed at restoring deterrence. The statement further asserts that as tensions mounted, it was through President Trump’s behind-the-scenes diplomacy and strategic insight that a ceasefire agreement was reached on May 10, thereby preventing a wider conflict. The Pakistani administration commended Trump’s actions as a pivotal moment for peace in the region, emphasizing his role as a true peacemaker.

This nomination came after an unusual meeting on Wednesday, June 18, between US President Donald Trump and Pakistan’s army chief, General Asim Munir, at the White House. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly confirmed that the President welcomed Munir due to the latter's request for Trump's Nobel nomination, acknowledging his contribution to preventing a nuclear crisis. During this discussion, Trump expressed his pride in having halted the conflict between India and Pakistan, remarking, “They were going at it; they are both nuclear countries. I got it stopped." However, India has consistently denied any involvement from the United States in easing the tensions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a call with President Trump on Tuesday, June 17, clarified that the ceasefire was achieved through direct communication between the Indian and Pakistani military forces, without any outside mediation. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri reiterated India's position, stressing that New Delhi has not and will not accept third-party mediation in its dealings with Pakistan. The crisis originated from the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, prompting India to execute retaliatory strikes against terror sites in Pakistan and within Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as part of “Operation Sindoor."