Norway’s Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide arrived in Islamabad on a commercial flight on 15 July 2026, sparking a nationwide debate over why Pakistani officials still insist on VIP protocol for dignitaries when even foreign ministers from developed nations travel economy class.

The minister’s arrival at Islamabad International Airport was captured on camera by passengers and shared widely on social media. Unlike the usual red-carpet treatment reserved for foreign officials, Eide walked off the plane, collected his luggage, and exited the terminal without any special escort or protocol. His simple arrival contrasted sharply with the elaborate security and protocol arrangements Pakistan typically deploys for visiting foreign ministers, including motorcades, police escorts, and airport shutdowns.

What happened at Islamabad airport

  • Eide landed at Islamabad International Airport (ISB) at 11:15 AM on 15 July 2026 on a Norwegian Air Shuttle commercial flight from Oslo.
  • He was not given a VIP lounge, no red carpet, and no police or protocol team greeted him at the tarmac.
  • The minister collected his own luggage and left the airport independently, according to multiple passengers who filmed the moment.
  • No motorcade or official escort was provided, unlike the standard treatment for foreign dignitaries in Pakistan.

The footage went viral within hours, with Pakistanis questioning why their own officials and visiting foreign guests are often subjected to long waits, traffic jams, and security restrictions while foreign ministers like Eide face no such inconvenience.

Why this matters for Pakistan

The incident has reignited a long-standing debate about VIP culture in Pakistan, where government officials, politicians, and even judges routinely demand red carpets, sirens, and road closures—often causing traffic chaos in major cities like Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.

Critics argue that this culture wastes public time and resources. A 2023 study by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) estimated that VIP protocol costs the economy Rs 12 billion annually in lost productivity due to traffic delays and security arrangements. The report also highlighted that 90% of VIP movements in Islamabad involve unnecessary escorts, despite no clear security benefit.

Public frustration has grown over the years, with hashtags like #EndVIPCulture trending multiple times. In 2024, the Supreme Court of Pakistan banned VIP protocol for judges, calling it a "violation of citizens' fundamental rights." Yet, the practice persists for politicians and foreign dignitaries.

What Pakistani officials say

The Foreign Office has not issued an official response to Eide’s arrival, but insiders say the government is reviewing protocol rules for foreign dignitaries. A senior diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Naya Pakistan that Pakistan often matches the level of protocol offered by the visiting country. "If a country sends a minister on a commercial flight, we don’t need to provide a red carpet," the diplomat said.

However, the Ministry of Interior has defended the practice, stating that security protocols for foreign officials are non-negotiable. "VIP protocol is not about prestige; it’s about ensuring the safety of dignitaries and smooth conduct of official engagements," an interior ministry spokesperson said.

What should change now?

Here’s what experts and activists say Pakistan should do next:

  • End unnecessary VIP protocol: Follow Norway’s example—only provide security escorts when there is a clear security threat, not as a default.
  • Reform the 2002 VIP Security Rules: The VIP Security Rules, 2002, allow officials to demand escorts and protocol. Repealing or amending these rules could reduce the culture of entitlement.
  • Public awareness campaigns: Many Pakistanis still believe VIP protocol is a symbol of respect, not a waste of resources. Campaigns by the National Highway Authority (NHA) and traffic police could educate the public.
  • Lead by example: If top officials like the Prime Minister and Chief Justices stop using sirens and red carpets, the culture may change from the top down.

What to watch next

  • Parliamentary debate: Opposition parties have already demanded a discussion in the National Assembly on revising VIP protocol rules.
  • Supreme Court ruling: The apex court is hearing a petition to ban VIP protocol entirely. A decision is expected by August 2026.
  • Foreign Office review: The government may issue new guidelines for foreign dignitaries, aligning protocol with the level of the visit.

The Norwegian FM’s arrival may seem like a small moment, but it has exposed a deep-rooted contradiction in Pakistan’s governance: why do we treat our own people with less dignity than we offer foreign guests?

If Norway can trust its officials to travel without a red carpet, why can’t Pakistan?