FO claims that action constitutes a serious violation of diplomatic responsibility, interference with legal proceedings
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a strong demarche to the Norwegian ambassador following his participation in the hearing of the Imaan Mazari case at the Supreme Court of Pakistan on 11 November. This move, Pakistan claims, was not only a breach of diplomatic norms but also an interference in the country’s internal legal affairs.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the action, stressing that the Norwegian ambassador’s presence in the courtroom was a direct violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961), specifically Article 41, which obliges diplomats to respect the host country’s laws and refrain from interfering in its internal affairs.
“This is not the first incident of such interference,” a State Department statement read. It further pointed to Norwegian NGOs, particularly those operating under the guise of human rights advocacy, which Pakistan claims have supported elements involved in anti-Pakistani activities.
The statement also claimed that the Norwegian ambassador’s actions have the potential to influence the legal process, which constitutes a serious violation of diplomatic responsibility and international law.
Pakistan made it clear that it would not tolerate any foreign interference in its domestic affairs and reiterated its sovereignty and commitment to international diplomatic standards. The State Department’s response underscores Pakistan’s position as an independent, self-governing state, determined to protect its sovereignty from external pressure.
