Pakistani PM's Praise for Trump Draws Criticism from Former Ambassador and Indian Politician

New Delhi:

Former Pakistani ambassador to the United States, Husain Haqqani, criticized Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday for his repeated praise of President Donald Trump.

Sharif had posted on social media commending Trump for his "instrumental role" in mediating peace between Cambodia and Thailand.

"My deep appreciation to President Donald Trump for his instrumental role in advancing peace through the Kuala Lumpur Accord, the Gaza Peace Plan, and his resolute efforts for peace and stability in the Middle East and South Asia - saving millions of lives across the globe," wrote Sharif, who nominated Trump for this year's Nobel Peace Prize.

Responding to this post, Haqqani remarked that the Pakistani PM remains "in the lead" for gold in the "Olympic sport of flattering" Trump.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor subsequently shared Haqqani's critical post on his official X account.

Earlier in October, Sharif faced criticism for lavishly praising Trump during the Gaza Summit in Egypt.

While addressing world leaders on October 13, Sharif credited peace in the Middle East to Trump's "untiring and relentless efforts."

"Pakistan had nominated President Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his outstanding and extraordinary contributions to first stop the war between India and Pakistan and then achieve a ceasefire along with his very wonderful team," Sharif stated with Trump standing beside him. Trump did not win the Nobel Peace Prize this year.

Sharif expressed his intention to nominate Trump again for the Nobel Peace Prize for "saving millions of lives not only in South Asia but also in the Middle East."

This statement provoked criticism from many social media users, who viewed his speech as demeaning to Pakistanis.