Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday issued a formal demarche to Norway’s ambassador, strongly protesting his presence at the Supreme Court hearing of the Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir case on December 11.

The Foreign Office (FO) described the act as a clear breach of diplomatic protocol and international law.

According to the ministry, the ambassador’s participation violated Article 41 of the 1961 Vienna Convention, which obliges diplomats to respect the host country’s laws and refrain from involvement in its internal matters.

The FO said that any diplomat attending sensitive judicial proceedings in a manner that could influence or appear to influence the process constitutes a serious violation of international diplomatic norms.

The statement also noted that certain Norwegian NGOs, particularly those operating under the banner of human rights, have in the past supported groups allegedly engaged in anti-Pakistan activities.

Pakistan described the ambassador’s conduct as “irresponsible” and reaffirmed that it will not tolerate any interference in its domestic affairs.

The FO emphasised that the demarche demonstrates Pakistan’s commitment and capability to protect its sovereignty in accordance with global diplomatic principles.

“Pakistan is an independent and sovereign state and will take all necessary measures to safeguard its internal matters from external interference,” the statement said.

Supreme Court halts Mazari trial

Separately, the Supreme Court of Pakistan temporarily halted the trial of Imaan Mazari in the controversial tweets case.

The court approved a request to pause proceedings in the trial court until the Islamabad High Court delivers its decision in the matter.

The Supreme Court remarked that the trial should not continue until the High Court issues its final ruling. All further hearings in the apex court have been adjourned pending the High Court’s verdict.