FO asserts that action constitutes serious violation of Vienna Convention, interference in country’s judicial matters
Police officers stand guard at the main entry gate of Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad on January 18, 2024. Photo: File
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued diplomatic demarche to the Norwegian Ambassador following his participation in the hearing of the Imaan Mazari case at the Supreme Court of Pakistan on November 11. This move, Pakistan argues, was not only a breach of diplomatic norms but also an interference in the country’s internal judicial matters.
The Foreign Office criticised the action, emphasising 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 laws of the host country and refrain from meddling in its internal affairs.
“This is not the first incident of such interference,” a statement from the Foreign Office read. It further pointed to Norwegian NGOs, particularly those operating under the guise of human rights advocacy, which Pakistan claims have been supporting elements involved in anti-Pakistan activities.
The statement also asserted that the Norwegian Ambassador’s action is equivalent to an attempt to influence the judicial process in the country, 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 matters, reiterating the country’s sovereignty and commitment to international diplomatic standards. The Foreign Ministry’s response underscores Pakistan’s stance as an independent, self-governing state, determined to protect its sovereignty against external pressures.
