A day after a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran came into effect, with Pakistan credited as a key mediator, voices in Pakistan and abroad have begun asking whether Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif deserves the Nobel Peace Prize.
The calls gained momentum after Trump said he agreed to the ceasefire "based on conversations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, of Pakistan," adding that they had "requested that I hold off the destructive force being sent tonight to Iran."
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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was similarly direct, saying Tehran had accepted the ceasefire "in response to the brotherly request of PM Sharif."
That recognition from both sides sparked reactions in Pakistan. The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) reportedly called for the Nobel Prize to be awarded to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, citing their ceasefire efforts between the US and Iran. Pakistani media has carried widespread coverage backing the idea.
Some cabinet ministers in Pakistan also echoed the sentiment. Minister for IT Shaza Fatima said Pakistan deserved recognition, "even a Nobel Peace Prize", for promoting peace, while Energy Minister Awais Leghari described the outcome as something that "looked impossible yesterday."
Similar voices emerged from outside of Pakistan as well, with former Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni suggesting that Islamabad should be considered for the Nobel Peace Prize for its role in the ceasefire.
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Pakistan initiated its mediation efforts in the third week of the war. On March 23, it formally offered to host talks, and days later Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed that the US had shared a 15-point proposal with Iran via Pakistan. The ceasefire, then, took place on late Tuesday.
The next round of talks between the US and Iran is scheduled to take place in Islamabad on Friday.
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