ISLAMABAD (MNN); The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday summoned Norway’s ambassador to Pakistan after he attended a Supreme Court hearing involving rights activist Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha. The government termed his presence “unwarranted” and a violation of diplomatic norms.
According to a statement from the ministry, Ambassador Per Albert Ilsaas was summoned by the Additional Foreign Secretary (Europe) and informed that his attendance at the court proceedings breached diplomatic protocol and international law. The ministry stated that such actions amounted to interference in Pakistan’s internal affairs and urged the envoy to follow the principles laid out in the Vienna Convention.
The diplomat’s presence during the hearing triggered wide debate on social media.
However, Imaan defended the ambassador, saying diplomats routinely observe court proceedings worldwide and such visits do not mean they are taking sides. She said attempts to portray his presence as a violation of diplomatic norms were driven by external pressure.
Imaan and her husband are facing a case under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) 2016. They had approached the Supreme Court seeking an urgent hearing of their appeal after the Islamabad High Court denied interim relief.
The case originates from an August 12, 2025 complaint filed by an assistant director of the National Cybercrime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). The complaint alleged that Imaan was spreading narratives aligned with hostile terrorist groups and banned organisations, while her husband was accused of reposting her content.
The couple has also filed a criminal revision petition in the Islamabad High Court, arguing that the trial proceedings violated due process, including the recording of evidence in their absence.
