Pakistan, Oct. 10 -- Venezuelan opposition leader and democracy activist Maria Corina Machado has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her tireless struggle to restore democratic rights and freedom in her country. The Norwegian Nobel Committee praised her "extraordinary courage and leadership" in advocating for a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy, despite facing constant threats and persecution. Machado, who has spent the past year living in hiding, expressed shock and gratitude upon learning of her win.

Committee Chairman Jorgen Watne Frydnes stated that Venezuela has transformed from a relatively prosperous democracy into a "brutal authoritarian state" suffering from deep economic and humanitarian crises. Nearly...