ISLAMABAD: : The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) summoned the Norwegian ambassador on Thursday in response to his presence at a court hearing in Islamabad, with officials describing the act as an interference in Pakistan’s internal matters.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi announced that the additional Foreign Secretary (Europe) called in the Norwegian diplomat to address his participation in the court proceedings. He emphasized that such actions violate diplomatic norms and international law.”His conduct is seen as interference in Pakistan’s internal affairs. The ambassador was advised to follow the established standards of diplomatic conduct, as per the relevant provisions of the Vienna Convention,” Andrabi stated.
Reports indicated that the Norwegian envoy attended a Supreme Court hearing related to the case of lawyer Imaan Mazari and her husband, Advocate Hadi Ali Chattha, concerning their controversial social media posts.
In response to criticism, Mazari clarified that diplomats often observe court proceedings as part of their diplomatic duties. She stated on X (formerly Twitter), “Diplomats routinely observe court sessions this does not mean they take a stance on any case. It’s a common practice.”
Meanwhile, a three-member Supreme Court bench accepted Mazari’s petition against the Islamabad High Court’s decision, which had dismissed her plea to halt the trial in the additional sessions court.
The verdict also directed that the trial should be suspended until the IHC issues its ruling. Mazari and Chattha face charges under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca), 2016, specifically Sections 9, 10, 11, and 26, following an FIR registered by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). They were formally indicted on October 30.
The case alleges that the couple attempted to sow discord on linguistic lines through their social media activity.
