New Delhi: The Pakistani government and military establishment have come under intense criticism from citizens, analysts, and political opponents after the United States launched airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities early Sunday.
The criticism stems from Pakistan’s decision to nominate President Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, only 24-hour before the attack, citing his alleged “decisive diplomatic intervention” during the India-Pakistan conflict. Pakistani foreign minister Ishaq Dar had sent a formal recommendation to the Nobel Committee in Norway, lauding Trump’s role in defusing tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
Embarrassment for Pakistan
However, the US airstrikes on Iran have triggered a storm of criticism on social media, with many calling the nomination hypocritical and an embarrassment to Pakistan’s foreign policy posture.
“Hey Pakistan—how’s that Nobel Peace Prize nomination looking now? Trump is a warmonger. Not a peacemaker,” one user wrote on social platform X.
Political analyst Raheeq Abbasi posted sarcastically: “All conditions for the Nobel Prize have been fulfilled. Many thanks, Field Marshal Sir!!” In another post, he condemned Trump for vetoing Gaza ceasefire resolutions and questioned whether those nominating him had any “faith, honour, or humanity left”.
Senior Jamaat-e-Islami leader Siraj ul Haq called the nomination a betrayal of the Muslim world, stating: “It perpetuates the genocide of Muslims in Gaza and insults the collective wounds of the Ummah. This is not diplomacy—it’s moral suicide for a few crumbs from the IMF.”
The irony was not lost on opposition figures either. PTI leader Aamir Mughal mocked the government, saying, “After an attack on Iran, PM Shehbaz might not only award Trump the Nobel Peace Prize but also bestow upon him the Tamgha-e-Jurat, Tamgha-e-Shujaat, and even the Nishan-e-Haider.”
‘Supreme level of hypocrisy’
Others questioned the consistency of Pakistan’s regional stance. One netizen quipped that if Trump could be nominated, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu might soon be next. Another user, Jarjees Ahmad, called it a “supreme level of hypocrisy”, pointing out Pakistan’s simultaneous claims of solidarity with Iran and nomination of a leader involved in the massacre of Palestinians.
Another netizen blamed the “uncrowned kings” of the military establishment for making foreign policy decisions without accountability. “They’re ready to sell out the nation whenever they please,” he alleged.
‘Pak supports Iran’s right to self-defence’
The backlash intensified after Pakistan’s official condemnation of the US strikes. In a statement issued Sunday, foreign minister Dar said: “Pakistan condemns the US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, which follow a series of Israeli strikes. We are gravely concerned about the potential for further escalation in the region.”
Pakistan reaffirmed its support for Iran’s right to self-defence and urged restraint and dialogue, adding that further escalation would have “seriously damaging implications” for the region.
Just weeks ago, Pakistani officials hailed Trump’s back-channel diplomacy as the reason for the May 10 ceasefire between India and Pakistan, crediting him with preventing a broader war. Trump himself echoed these sentiments, claiming he deserved the Peace Prize but wouldn’t receive it due to “liberal bias”.
