Mahrang Baloch’s Alleged Nomination for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize Sparks Debate in Pakistan

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Mahrang Baloch’s Alleged Nomination for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize Sparks Debate in Pakistan

Quetta: The Nobel Peace Prize for 2025 has received 338 nominations from around the world, fueling speculation about the potential contenders. In Pakistan, rumors are circulating about the possible inclusion of a notable name in the list of nominees.

Mahrang Baloch, a social activist advocating for the families of missing persons in Balochistan, claims she has been nominated for the prestigious award this year. However, it is important to note that the Norwegian Nobel Committee does not release the names of nominees, nor does it confirm or deny any nominations.

To date, only two Pakistanis have received the Nobel Prize: Malala Yousafzai, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014, and Dr. Abdus Salam, awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1979.

The speculation about Mahrang Baloch’s nomination began when discussions erupted on Pakistani social media, with journalist Kia Baloch posting on X (formerly Twitter) that Mahrang’s nomination was due to her ongoing struggle for human rights in Balochistan.

Responding to the post, Mahrang Baloch confirmed the news on X, stating, “I Confirm the news" she further stated, "This is not for me but for the thousands of Baloch who have been forcibly disappeared, and their families who are seeking justice.”

She further emphasized that “the international civil society and civilized nations cannot ignore the human rights struggle in Balochistan.”

Despite the Nobel Committee’s strict confidentiality rules, Mahrang Baloch explained to the news agencies that there are no restrictions on nominees announcing their own nominations. She stated that the Norwegian Nobel Committee keeps nominee details confidential for 50 years but that nominators are free to disclose their choices.

“In my case, my nominators informed me. Before my nomination in January, they sought my consent,” she said. However, she added, “The Norwegian Nobel Committee does not officially confirm nominations. Due to official and other reasons, I cannot disclose the name of my nominator, but I can confirm my nomination.”

The Nobel Peace Prize selection process is an eight-month-long procedure that starts with the nomination deadline on January 31 and concludes with the announcement on the first Friday of October.

Academics, university professors, scientists, past laureates, and other distinguished individuals can submit nominations. As per Nobel Foundation rules, the full list of nominees remains confidential for 50 years, and self-nominations are not permitted.

Once all eligible nominations are compiled, a shortlist is created, followed by thorough evaluations by the Nobel Committee’s permanent advisers and international experts.

The Nobel Prize winners, referred to as laureates, are named after the ancient Greek tradition of honoring victors with laurel wreaths.

Each Nobel Prize can be awarded to multiple recipients but is limited to a maximum of three individuals. There have been instances, particularly during World War I and II, when the Nobel Peace Prize was not awarded. According to Nobel Foundation guidelines, if no candidate meets the required criteria in a given year, the prize remains unawarded, and the funds are reserved for the following year.

Mahrang Baloch is among the many women participating in protests across Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan, where she has been vocal against enforced disappearances.

Her activism began after her father was allegedly taken into custody by security forces in 2009. Two years later, his dead body was found with signs of torture.

In late 2023, she led hundreds of women on a 1,000-mile march to the capital, Islamabad, demanding information about their missing loved ones. During the journey, she was arrested twice.

Protesters from Balochistan accuse Pakistani security forces of abducting and killing individuals as part of counterinsurgency operations. However, the government in Islamabad denies these allegations.

Mahrang Baloch has since emerged as a prominent activist under the banner of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, a human rights organization. Her activism was recognized in the TIME 100 Next list for 2024, which highlights emerging leaders in various fields.

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