Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has lodged a formal diplomatic protest against the Norwegian ambassador, over his presence at a Supreme Court hearing earlier this month, a move the government says crosses the line between diplomacy and interference in domestic affairs.
The Foreign Office (FO) called the ambassador’s presence a clear violation of diplomatic protocol and international law. It noted that his participation breached Article 41 of the 1961 Vienna Convention, which requires diplomats to respect the laws of their host country and avoid involvement in its internal matters.
Addressing media queries about the démarche, FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said that Norwegian Ambassador Per Albert Ilsaas was summoned by the Additional Foreign Secretary (Europe) over his unwarranted presence at a Supreme Court hearing in Islamabad related to the Imaan Mazari case.
Andrabi emphasized that the ambassador’s attendance violated diplomatic protocol and relevant international law.
The ministry stressed that any diplomat attending sensitive judicial proceedings in a way that could influence or appear to influence the outcome represents a serious breach of international diplomatic norms.
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The statement further highlighted concerns regarding certain Norwegian NGOs, especially those operating under the guise of human rights, which have previously supported groups allegedly acting against Pakistan’s interests.
Describing the ambassador’s actions as “irresponsible,” the FO reaffirmed Pakistan’s stance that it will not tolerate interference in its domestic affairs.
The demarche, it said, reflects the country’s determination and capability to safeguard its sovereignty in line with international diplomatic principles.
“Pakistan is an independent and sovereign state and will take all necessary measures to protect its internal affairs from external interference,” the statement concluded.
The ambassador was reminded that such actions could be perceived as interference in Pakistan’s domestic affairs and should not be repeated in the future.
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This development came just hours after the Supreme Court suspended the trial court proceedings against Imaan Mazari and her husband, Abdul Hadi Mohammad Ali, who face charges under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) for allegedly sharing controversial content on social media.
The Norwegian envoy’s presence in the courtroom during the high-profile hearing sparked strong reactions among Pakistani officials, prompting the issuance of the formal diplomatic demarche.
While reaffirming that Pakistan values its ties with Norway, the Foreign Office underscored that all diplomatic missions are expected to operate strictly within the framework of international law.
Minahil Khurshid holds a Master's in Peace and Conflict Studies from NUST. She is passionate about current affairs, public policy, and geopolitics.
