ISLAMABAD (MNN): Norway has defended the presence of its ambassador at a Supreme Court hearing involving the husband-and-wife lawyer duo, Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha, describing it as consistent with international law despite objections raised by Pakistan.
Norwegian Ambassador Per Albert Ilsaas attended the hearing on Thursday, a move that triggered debate both inside the courtroom and on social media. Following the development, Pakistan’s Foreign Office summoned the envoy and advised him to respect established diplomatic norms, terming his attendance at the proceedings “unwarranted”.
Responding to the controversy, Mazari defended the ambassador’s presence, stating that diplomats often observe court proceedings and that such observation does not amount to taking a position on any case.
Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet quoted Cecilie Roang, senior communications adviser at Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as saying that lawful attendance and observation of court hearings in a host country fall within the normal functions of embassies and are fully in line with international law.
She said Norway, like many other countries, follows this practice across the world, particularly in cases considered to be of public interest. She added that reporting developments in the country of assignment back home is a fundamental responsibility of diplomatic missions, and attending open court hearings is a legitimate way of gathering information.
Mazari and her husband are currently facing trial under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016. They had approached the Supreme Court seeking an urgent hearing of their appeal after the Islamabad High Court declined to grant them interim relief.
The case originates from a complaint filed on August 12, 2025, by an assistant director of the National Cybercrime Investigation Agency in Islamabad before the Federal Investigation Agency’s Cybercrime Reporting Centre. The complaint alleges that Mazari shared and promoted narratives aligned with hostile terrorist groups and banned organisations, while her husband was accused of reposting some of the content.
The couple has also challenged the trial proceedings before the Islamabad High Court through a criminal revision, arguing that their right to due process under the Criminal Procedure Code was violated, particularly due to evidence being recorded in their absence.
