<p>Srinagar: Pakistan’s announcement that it plans to nominate US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize has triggered a wave of outrage in Kashmir— a sign of growing disillusionment and a subtle but significant drift away from Pakistan among many young Kashmiris.</p><p>Once seen as a ‘messiah’ of Muslims in Kashmir, Pakistan is now being increasingly viewed with skepticism, especially after aligning itself with the US and Israel at a time when Gaza bleeds and Iran faces relentless pressure. The Trump nomination was seen by many as the final straw.</p><p>“Trump symbolises oppression — from the Muslim ban to backing Israel’s aggression. And Pakistan wants to honour him?” asked Mehran, a college student in Kashmir. “Kashmiris stand with Iran, not with Trump’s cheerleaders.”</p>.Pak politicians, others ask govt to review Trump's nomination for Nobel Peace Prize.<p>The reaction reflects a deeper shift in Kashmir’s political consciousness. A generation raised amid conflict and broken promises now sees Pakistan’s foreign policy as transactional and opportunistic — far removed from the ideals of resistance and solidarity once championed in the Valley.</p><p>Social media is awash with posts slamming Pakistan’s move. Videos of Iranian flags being painted on walls and posters of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei being shared widely show a symbolic shift. Pro-Palestine and pro-Iran sentiments dominate, while Pakistan’s credibility dwindles.</p><p>“Kashmiris aren’t blind anymore. This isn’t the Pakistan we grew up defending,” Mehran said. “We know who supports the oppressors and who resists. Pakistan nominating Trump is a betrayal.”</p><p>For many, honouring Trump means legitimising the forces that have deepened their suffering. Analysts say the backlash points to a deeper ideological divorce. Pakistan’s recent outreach to the US and Gulf states may serve its diplomacy, but it’s eroding whatever emotional connection it once had with the Kashmiri street.</p><p>“For Kashmiris, resistance is now framed less by traditional alliances and more by shared experiences of oppression. And in that equation, Pakistan — once seen as the champion of their cause — increasingly looks like just another state chasing its own interests,” said a university professor.</p><p>“The Trump nomination might win headlines in Islamabad. In Kashmir, it’s only widened the emotional distance,” he added.</p>
<p>Srinagar: Pakistan’s announcement that it plans to nominate US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize has triggered a wave of outrage in Kashmir— a sign of growing disillusionment and a subtle but significant drift away from Pakistan among many young Kashmiris.</p><p>Once seen as a ‘messiah’ of Muslims in Kashmir, Pakistan is now being increasingly viewed with skepticism, especially after aligning itself with the US and Israel at a time when Gaza bleeds and Iran faces relentless pressure. The Trump nomination was seen by many as the final straw.</p><p>“Trump symbolises oppression — from the Muslim ban to backing Israel’s aggression. And Pakistan wants to honour him?” asked Mehran, a college student in Kashmir. “Kashmiris stand with Iran, not with Trump’s cheerleaders.”</p>.Pak politicians, others ask govt to review Trump's nomination for Nobel Peace Prize.<p>The reaction reflects a deeper shift in Kashmir’s political consciousness. A generation raised amid conflict and broken promises now sees Pakistan’s foreign policy as transactional and opportunistic — far removed from the ideals of resistance and solidarity once championed in the Valley.</p><p>Social media is awash with posts slamming Pakistan’s move. Videos of Iranian flags being painted on walls and posters of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei being shared widely show a symbolic shift. Pro-Palestine and pro-Iran sentiments dominate, while Pakistan’s credibility dwindles.</p><p>“Kashmiris aren’t blind anymore. This isn’t the Pakistan we grew up defending,” Mehran said. “We know who supports the oppressors and who resists. Pakistan nominating Trump is a betrayal.”</p><p>For many, honouring Trump means legitimising the forces that have deepened their suffering. Analysts say the backlash points to a deeper ideological divorce. Pakistan’s recent outreach to the US and Gulf states may serve its diplomacy, but it’s eroding whatever emotional connection it once had with the Kashmiri street.</p><p>“For Kashmiris, resistance is now framed less by traditional alliances and more by shared experiences of oppression. And in that equation, Pakistan — once seen as the champion of their cause — increasingly looks like just another state chasing its own interests,” said a university professor.</p><p>“The Trump nomination might win headlines in Islamabad. In Kashmir, it’s only widened the emotional distance,” he added.</p>