Pakistan issues strong demarche to Norwegian ambassador over court appearance

Pakistan has formally summoned the Norwegian Ambassador in Islamabad to deliver a strong demarche, protesting what it called an unacceptable breach of diplomatic norms after the envoy attended a Supreme Court hearing connected to activist Iman Mazari.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the demarche—issued on 11 December 2025—centered squarely on the ambassador’s presence at the 11 November 2025 hearing. Islamabad described the attendance as “deliberate interference” in Pakistan’s internal affairs and a contravention of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961).

The Foreign Office stressed that under Article 41 of the Convention, diplomats must respect the laws of the host state and avoid involvement in its domestic matters. It said the Mazari case, which Pakistani authorities classify as pertaining to alleged anti-state activities, lies firmly within Pakistan’s sensitive internal jurisdiction—making the envoy’s appearance particularly objectionable.

In the demarche, Pakistan also flagged what it characterised as a broader pattern of concern, noting that Norwegian NGOs have, in its view, supported actors perceived as hostile to the Pakistani state. This trend, officials said, has heightened Islamabad’s vigilance regarding Norway’s diplomatic conduct.

Reaffirming its expectations, Pakistan conveyed that it looks to Norway to fully adhere to established diplomatic protocols and honour its international obligations. Islamabad underscored that it respects Norway’s sovereignty and anticipates the same level of respect in return, especially in matters linked to legal proceedings and national security.

The communication concluded with a clear message: Pakistan considers any association between foreign diplomats and individuals facing anti-state allegations to be inappropriate, and expects Norway to ensure that such incidents do not recur.