Islamabad: Diplomatic tensions have surfaced between Pakistan and Norway after Pakistan formally protested the presence of the Norwegian ambassador during a hearing at the Supreme Court of Pakistan in the Iman Zainab Mazari case.
According to officials, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Norwegian ambassador and handed over a formal protest note, stating that the presence of a foreign envoy during judicial proceedings constitutes an unwarranted interference in Pakistan’s internal affairs and judicial sovereignty. The ministry maintained that such an act runs contrary to diplomatic protocol and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
The Mazari case involves proceedings related to social media content against the accused and her husband. The Norwegian ambassador attended the hearing as an observer. Pakistani authorities said that while diplomatic engagement is routine, attending a sensitive court case was deemed inappropriate given the judicial context.
In response, Norway defended its ambassador’s actions, asserting that the move was in line with international diplomatic norms and was not intended to influence judicial proceedings. Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that diplomats observing court proceedings is an accepted practice, particularly in cases viewed through a human rights lens. Oslo emphasized that it does not wish to harm bilateral relations with Pakistan and remains open to resolving the matter through diplomatic channels.
Diplomatic observers say the incident highlights a delicate phase in Pakistan–Norway relations, with Pakistan stressing national sovereignty and judicial independence, while Norway cites human rights considerations and established diplomatic practices. Analysts warn that unless handled with careful diplomacy, the issue could further strain bilateral ties.
