***
## Pakistan Issues Formal Demarche to Norway Following Ambassador’s Presence in Judicial Proceedings
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) today summoned the Norwegian Ambassador to Islamabad and issued a formal diplomatic *démarche*, expressing grave concern over the envoy’s unauthorized participation in a recent court proceeding.
According to the MoFA Spokesperson, the Ambassador’s presence at the judicial hearing was deemed an “unwarranted participation” and a “clear violation of diplomatic norms and international law.” The Spokesperson emphasized that the action created an impression of interference in the internal affairs of Pakistan, which is unacceptable under any circumstances.
The official notification delivered to the Ambassador underscored that any intrusion into Pakistan’s domestic matters would not be tolerated. The envoy was strictly cautioned to ensure complete adherence to diplomatic principles, particularly the relevant articles outlined in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
The Ambassador was formally interrogated regarding the *démarche* and instructed to strictly observe established diplomatic procedures going forward. The MoFA confirmed that the diplomatic protest was specifically triggered by the Ambassador’s attendance at the judicial hearing in Islamabad.
***
### National Infrastructure and Safety Updates
**Motorway Closures Due to Severe Fog:**
Heavy fog blanketed vast regions of the country, severely impacting visibility and necessitating widespread closures of the national motorway network. Sections of the M1 (Rashakai to Peshawar), M2 (Hiran Minar to Thokar Niaz Baig), M3 (Ferozepur to Rajana), and M5 (Multan to Zahir Pir and Rohri to Rahim Yar Khan) were temporarily shut down until conditions improved.
**Fatal Road Accidents:**
Tragedy struck on the M4 motorway near Khanewal when a bus collided with a trailer. A bus hostess was killed in the incident, and four passengers sustained injuries. Separately, a collision between a passenger coach and a car occurred near the Billy Tang Oil Depot on Pindi Road in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
### Political and Governance Briefs
**PTI Financial Crisis:**
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is reportedly experiencing significant financial strain, prompting the party to request a contribution equivalent to 10 percent of the salary from each of its parliamentarians to manage party operations.
**Asset Disclosure Initiative:**
The Ministry of Finance announced that details concerning the assets of high-ranking federal and provincial officers will be made publicly available on a website by the end of next year. This initiative includes a comprehensive verification and audit process for the stated assets.
**Karachi Yellow Line Project Cost Escalation:**
Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal expressed serious reservations regarding the slow pace of work on the Karachi Yellow Line project over the last six years, noting that the overall project cost has surged by an alarming 190 percent.
**Diplomatic Engagements:**
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif conducted meetings with various international leaders during his official visit to Turkmenistan.
**Political Committee Formation:**
The political committee established to address key national issues includes Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas. Representatives from Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, Khalid Khurshid and Sardar Qayyum Niazi, are also participating in the committee.
### Law, Enforcement, and Social Issues
**Customs Seizures:**
Pakistan Customs reported significant anti-smuggling success, having seized gold and silver valued at over Rs 306 million (USD 1.1 million) in the past five months.
**Crime Report:**
Police confirmed that Bilal Abbas, an accused individual, was killed in an exchange of fire and his body was subsequently transported to a hospital.
**Sardari System Criticized:**
Umme Rubab Chandio, a resident of Dadu district, spoke out against the pervasive Sardari system in Sindh, describing it as a “cancer” that has negatively affected the lives of thousands of people.
**Traffic Fine Shock:**
A retailer in Lahore operating a motorcycle installment business faced massive financial liabilities after discovering that Rs 2.3 million in traffic fines had accumulated against motorcycles sold on installment plans.
**Other Official Engagements:**
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah chaired a meeting focused on the agricultural sector, attended by the Minister of Agriculture Muhammad Bakhsh Mehr and the Chief Secretary. Furthermore, a delegation from the French Development Agency (AFD) visited the National Grid Company (NGC) headquarters in Lahore.
