Pakistan Protests Norwegian Ambassador’s ‘Interference’ In Judiciary
Foreign Office says ambassador's participation in court proceedings is a breach of Vienna Convention.
ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally lodged a protest with the Norwegian ambassador after he attended and observed court proceedings in the Imaan Mazari case at the Supreme Court of Pakistan on Thursday.
The government condemned the act as a clear violation of diplomatic norms and a direct interference in Pakistan’s internal judicial processes.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed grave concern over the ambassador’s presence at a sensitive and ongoing court proceeding. It described the move as a breach of the Vienna Convention 1961, specifically Article 41, which prohibits diplomats from engaging in the internal affairs of their host countries.
The ministry said any attempt to influence or disrupt judicial proceedings undermines the independence of Pakistan’s legal system and is entirely unacceptable.
“This act by the Norwegian Ambassador is a blatant violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty and an undue intervention in our domestic affairs,” said a statement from the ministry. “Such behavior goes against established diplomatic practices and will not be tolerated under any circumstances.”
