Norway says envoy observing Mazari case complies with global norms

Norway's foreign ministry has defended its ambassador's appearance at a Supreme Court hearing involving lawyer Imaan Mazari and her husband, calling such courtroom observation a routine embassy function consistent with international law.

The clarification followed Pakistan's decision to summon the envoy over concerns of interference. A Foreign Office spokesperson said the diplomat's presence breached diplomatic norms and referenced provisions of the Vienna Convention.

Cecilie Roang, a senior adviser at Norway's foreign ministry, said embassies worldwide lawfully attend public court proceedings in cases of public interest and report back to their capitals — a core task of diplomacy.

Mazari, responding to online criticism, also noted that diplomats regularly watch open hearings and that attendance does not imply taking a position on the case. Separately, a three-judge Supreme Court bench halted trial proceedings in a lower court until the Islamabad High Court issues its decision on Mazari's plea.

The couple faces charges under Pakistan's Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act stemming from social media activity, according to the report.