Tazeen Akhtar
The Embassy of Norway in Islamabad celebrated the Constitution Day (Syttende Mai) on 17 May 2026. Ambassador H.E. Mr. Per Albert Ilsaas, hosted a Garden Party and diplomatic reception at his official residence. President Asif Ali Zardari and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs extended official felicitations to King Harald V and the Norwegian government. Ambassador expressed gratitude for the messages.
President Asif Ali Zardari extended felicitations to King Harald V, the Government and the people of the Kingdom of Norway on the occasion of Constitution Day. In a message conveyed on behalf of the Government and the people of Pakistan, the President noted that the relations between Pakistan and Norway continue to flourish with each passing day.
He expressed confidence that the cordial ties between the two nations, further strengthened by the presence of a vibrant Pakistani community in Norway, will continue to grow for the mutual benefit of both friendly countries.
The President further conveyed his sincere wishes for the continued peace, progress and prosperity of the people of the Kingdom of Norway.
This national day of Norway is observed annually on May 17, that commemorates the signing of the Norwegian Constitution in 1814 and pays homage to the royal family.
The event was attended by a distinguished assembly of diplomats, government officials, and notable figures from various sectors of society, all gathered to honor Norway’s national heritage. Prominent among them were Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik, Additional Secretary MOFA, Ms Ayesha Ali, Additional Secretary MOFA , Hamid Asghar Khan from Pakistani side.
Ambassadors of European Union, member countries, Charge d, Affaires of US, Ms Natalie Baker, business community, civil society representatives, friends of Norway and media persons were also present. It was Sunday, off day but a large number of participants showed their solidarity with Norway by gracing the event with their presence.
Ambassador Ilsaas expressed gratitude to the guests for their participation and apprised them to the history of the constitution and evolution through amendments. He noted that any amendment in the constitution will be done only after a public debate on the draft to establish a consensus.
He highlighted the strong and growing relations between Norway and Pakistan. He said, our relations have further developed over the past year through bilateral dialogues on a range of issue, he remarked, underscoring the deepening cooperation between the two nations.
Some guests were from “Kharway” – Kharian city of Punjab, Pakistan from where a large number of Pakistanis are living in Norway. They have constructed a square there as OSLO Chowk to express their gratitude to Norway as their second home.
The reception, held at the ambassador’s residence, carried the theme of water, symbolizing purity and life. Guests were treated to an array of traditional Norwegian dishes, providing a taste of Norway’s rich culinary heritage.
The celebration not only marked a significant day in Norway’s history but also highlighted the nation’s dedication to international peace and cooperation.
The Constitution of Norway (Kongeriket Norges Grunnlov), adopted on May 17, 1814, by the Eidsvoll Assembly, is the second-oldest written constitution in continuous operation in the world. The framework of the Norwegian state rests on three primary foundational pillars:
Popular Sovereignty: Supreme political power belongs to the citizens, exercised through their elected representatives.
Separation of Powers: Authority is divided clearly among the three distinct branches of government.
Human Rights: Fundamental civil liberties, legal protections, and democratic safeguards are guaranteed for all inhabitants.
Structure of Government
The text codifies a constitutional separation of powers across specific chapters:
The Executive (Chapter B): Executive power officially resides with the King, or the Queen if she succeeds the throne. In practice, this is exercised through the Prime Minister and the Council of State (King in Council).
The Legislative (Chapter C): Legislative, budgetary, and supervisory authority is held by the Storting, Norway’s unicameral parliament. Members are elected via free and secret universal suffrage at age 18.
The Judiciary (Chapter D): Judicial authority is independently maintained by the Supreme Court (Høyesterett), subordinate courts, and a specialized Court of Impeachment (Riksretten).
Key Civil Rights & Provisions
Freedom of Expression: Guaranteed under Article 100, protecting public discourse and blocking prior censorship.
Freedom of Religion: Assured under Article 16. While the Evangelical-Lutheran Church is supported as the national church, all religious communities are funded on equal footing.
Value Clause: Article 2 defines the foundational values of the realm as its Christian and humanist heritage.
Amendments and Evolution
Though the foundational document remains intact, the constitution has been amended more than 400 times. Major revisions occur to protect human rights conventions and keep pace with modern legal expectations, with the most recent updates passed by the parliament as of May 2024.
Constitutional changes require a two-thirds majority in the Storting and cannot alter the baseline spirit of the document.
