I am not worthy of Nobel Peace Prize: Imran Khan

Muscat: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that he is not worthy of the Nobel Peace Prize, following calls for him to receive the award.

The calls for him being nominated for the award came after Pakistan released a captured Indian pilot.

In a statement, Khan said, "I am not worthy of the Nobel Peace prize. The person worthy of this would be the one who solves the Kashmir dispute according to the wishes of the Kashmiri people and paves the way for peace and human development in the subcontinent."

Supporters of Khan began lobbying for the premier to receive the award after his announcement that Indian Air Force (IAF) officer Wing Commander Abhinandan would be released post his capture. Pakistan's Minister of Information Chaudhry Fawad Hussain also called for Khan to receive the highly coveted international prize.

At the time, Khan called the pilot's release 'a peace gesture', one that has subsequently been praised around the world.

Speaking at a campaign rally in Trabzon, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hailed Pakistan's move to hand over the pilot, adding that he looked forward to seeing similar steps from India.

The decision to release the pilot was also welcomed by UK Prime Minister Theresa May, UN Secretary General António Guterres, and officials in China.