Pakistan's Diplomatic Dilemma: From Praising Trump to Condemning US Strikes
In a striking turn of events, Pakistan found itself navigating an awkward diplomatic situation just a day after announcing its nomination of former US President Donald Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize. The nomination, which cited Trump's role in calming tensions between India and Pakistan, was sharply contradicted by Pakistan’s strong condemnation of US airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities.
From Nobel Nomination to Diplomatic Criticism
On the heels of the Nobel nomination, Pakistan's Shehbaz Sharif government condemned the US attacks on nuclear sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, describing them as a violation of “all norms of international law.” The attacks escalated concerns about regional stability, prompting the Foreign Ministry to express deep worry over potential further conflict.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar publicly reaffirmed Pakistan's support for Iran's sovereignty and the right to self-defense under the UN Charter, meeting with Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi during the 51st OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Istanbul.
Domestic Backlash Highlights Diplomatic Inconsistency
The sudden shift from nominating Trump as a peace advocate to condemning his administration's military action sparked domestic outrage. Critics called the move a glaring contradiction and questioned the timing as well as the political judgment behind it.
- Former ambassador Maleeha Lodhi labeled the situation “diplomatic inconsistency at its worst.”
- Political commentator Talat Hussain criticized the nomination as “pathetic,” reflecting a “colonised mindset desperate for American approval.”
- Political analyst Mosharraf Zaidi noted rising public frustration over Pakistan’s inconsistent foreign policy, suggesting it undermines the country’s moral standing.
A Complex Balancing Act
Behind closed doors, officials revealed the government’s pragmatic approach aiming to preserve ties with Washington — a strategic move to ease economic pressure and maintain leverage amid tensions with India. Yet, the optics of nominating Trump right before he ordered attacks on a fellow Muslim-majority country has stirred significant controversy, complicating Pakistan’s diplomatic position.
Public Reaction: Social Media Storm and Political Debate
The nomination faced sharp criticism online, where hashtags like #NobelForWar and #TrumpNominationShame trended widely, portraying the decision as a diplomatic misstep. With strong public support in Pakistan for Iran and Palestine, the government's move is viewed by many as a miscalculated gesture that damaged its credibility.
What’s Next for Pakistan’s Foreign Policy?
The episode underscores the challenges Pakistan faces in balancing international relationships while catering to domestic sentiments. As regional tensions simmer and global scrutiny mounts, Islamabad’s diplomatic strategies will likely continue to be tested on multiple fronts.
