Ali Muhammad Khan: A New Ray of Hope – Nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize

(By Ali Nouman)

In a world reeling from political unrest, religious intolerance, and increasing militarization, a beacon of peace emerges from Pakistan. Ali Muhammad Khan, an unwavering advocate of nonviolence and human dignity, has been officially nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. This historic nomination has brought not only national pride to Pakistan but has rekindled global discourse on peace, diplomacy, and the power of grassroots change.
Currently serving as the President of the Pakistan Department of Peace and Vice President of the US Department of Peace, Ali Muhammad Khan is also a permanent member of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). His nomination is a significant milestone in the ongoing global struggle for deweaponization and nuclear disarmament. A tireless leader, he is reshaping the narrative of peacebuilding in an era that has often lost sight of humanity.

A Journey of Commitment: From Grassroots to Global

Ali Muhammad Khan’s peace journey is not one of overnight fame. For over a decade, he has worked in the shadows of conflict zones, advocating for a world free from the terror of war. His mission began with disarmament campaigns in Pakistan’s northern regions, where extremist ideologies had deeply rooted themselves. He worked closely with tribal elders, religious leaders, and educational institutions to launch programs that encouraged the voluntary surrender of illegal weapons. These grassroots campaigns were instrumental in reducing violence in some of Pakistan’s most volatile areas.
Recognizing that peace must be inclusive and community-driven, Khan introduced vocational training and rehabilitation services for former militants. These efforts helped reintegrate individuals into society, offering them an alternative to violence.
He didn’t stop at national borders. Khan’s voice resonated across continents as he led international peace dialogues, including at Geneva and The Hague. He formed transnational coalitions advocating for justice, dignity, and reconciliation. He has spoken at the United Nations General Assembly, ECOSOC forums, and the Global Peace Convention, earning widespread respect for his holistic, empathetic approach to peacemaking.

The Voice for Gaza: A Moral Stand in Turbulent Times

One of Ali Muhammad Khan’s most significant contributions has been his unwavering support for Palestinian rights amidst the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. As violence escalated and civilian casualties rose, Khan stood at the forefront, raising a global outcry against what he described as “the systematic erasure of human dignity.”
Khan organized international campaigns under the banner of “Ceasefire Now, Humanity First,” partnering with humanitarian organizations such as Islamic Relief, Save the Children, and UNRWA. He personally led peace rallies in major cities, including New York, Los Angeles, London, and Istanbul, where he met with international diplomats and civil society representatives to advocate for a unified ceasefire resolution.
He has also been involved in humanitarian coordination efforts to deliver food, water, and medical supplies to Gaza, working closely with Palestinian NGOs and international donors. His online campaign videos, depicting the plight of children and families in Gaza, went viral and mobilized thousands of people across the world.
“Gaza is not just a place,” he said. “It is our heart, still beating beneath the rubble, still hoping through the horror. To stand with Gaza is to stand with humanity.”

A Just Peace: Beyond the Absence of War

Ali Muhammad Khan has redefined peace. For him, peace is not merely the silence of guns—it is the presence of justice. In his own words, “Peace is not the absence of conflict; it is the presence of justice, humanity, and courage.”
This philosophy underpins every initiative he has undertaken. He has championed the rights of marginalized communities, spoken against religious extremism, and called for economic justice in developing nations. He has frequently highlighted the links between poverty, lack of education, and violent extremism, emphasizing the need for structural reforms.
He recently voiced grave concerns over the intensifying tensions between Israel and Iran, calling for diplomacy over destruction. He has engaged with Middle Eastern think tanks and Western policy analysts to draft de-escalation frameworks, advocating for demilitarization zones, arms embargoes, and international peacekeeping missions.

Recognized by Global Leaders

Khan’s influence has not gone unnoticed. Peace leaders and organizations across the globe have lauded his vision and integrity. Miss Nuri Ronaghy, Founder of the US Department of Peace, declared:
“Ali Muhammad Khan represents a new generation of peacebuilders. He’s bold, grassroots-driven, yet diplomatically visionary. His call for a disarmed world is not idealistic — it’s necessary.”
His collaborative work with Kathy Kelly and Voices for Creative Nonviolence has created synergy between seasoned peace activists and the new generation of peacemakers. Together, they have conducted global webinars, co-authored reports on the militarization of humanitarian aid, and held training sessions for young activists on nonviolent resistance.
Khan has also been featured in international media including Al Jazeera, BBC World, and The Guardian, where his insights into conflict resolution and his lived experience have earned him a reputation as a thought leader.

Building a Culture of Peace

One of Khan’s most groundbreaking contributions has been in peace education. Understanding that sustainable peace begins in the mind, he has developed counter-radicalization programs aimed at youth. These initiatives challenge extremist narratives and empower young people with tools for critical thinking, dialogue, and empathy.
His flagship initiative, “Peace Starts in the Classroom,” has been introduced in over 300 schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan, with plans to expand into Kenya, Sudan, and Lebanon. The curriculum includes peace history, conflict resolution skills, civic engagement, and human rights awareness.
He has also initiated peace clubs at university campuses and online platforms where youth can share stories, host debates, and work on peacebuilding projects. These forums aim to create a generation of informed, active citizens who are immune to violent ideologies.

Diplomacy in Action: Beyond Borders

In addition to his activism, Khan has made significant diplomatic strides. He has actively engaged with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and U.S. Congressional leaders to push for sanctions against aggressor states and ensure humanitarian access to conflict zones.
He recently participated in a closed-door peace summit in Geneva that brought together diplomats from over 20 countries, where he presented a 10-point peace roadmap for the Middle East. His proposals included establishing neutral negotiation platforms, protecting religious sites, and launching global media literacy campaigns to combat hate speech.
Khan has also been invited as a guest lecturer at prestigious institutions such as Harvard, Oxford, and the University of Cape Town, where he shares his expertise on global peace architecture and the geopolitics of compassion.

Key Campaigns and Achievements:

Peace Education: Established youth-centered counter-radicalization and peace education programs in over 300 schools.

Nuclear Disarmament: Spearheaded efforts to initiate UN-backed nuclear disarmament dialogues, including presenting policy briefs to the UN General Assembly.

Private Arms Surrender: Led community programs in Pakistan, Sudan, and Somalia for voluntary arms surrender with rehabilitation support.

International Advocacy: Addressed the UN, OIC, and multiple peace forums to advocate for ceasefires, religious tolerance, and anti-genocide measures.

Grassroots Protests: Organized and led peace protests in New York, London, Brussels, and Istanbul with thousands demanding civilian protections and ceasefires.

A Nobel Nomination with Global Implications

The Nobel Peace Prize 2025 will be awarded in Oslo, Norway later this year. If Ali Muhammad Khan is selected, he will become the first peace leader from Pakistan in recent history to receive the honor—and among the very few from the Muslim world in the 21st century.
But for Khan, the nomination itself is a victory.
“This nomination is not just mine,” he said. “It belongs to every citizen, every mother, and every child who refuses to give up on peace.”
This statement echoes the core of his movement: peace is a collective journey. It is made possible not by one man’s actions alone, but by the hopes, voices, and dreams of many. He has dedicated the nomination to the memory of peace activists who lost their lives, and to the millions suffering in silence across the world’s forgotten wars.

Conclusion: A Legacy in the Making

Ali Muhammad Khan’s Nobel nomination is more than a recognition—it is a call to action. It is a signal that in a time of great global peril, voices like his matter more than ever. He is not merely advocating for peace; he is building it, brick by brick, community by community.
His leadership is a reminder that moral courage can still influence international policy, that the language of compassion can still be spoken in diplomatic halls, and that humanity, when organized for good, can indeed shape the future.
As the world watches Oslo this year, many will do so with renewed hope. For in Ali Muhammad Khan, the world has found not just a nominee, but a new ray of hope.