LAHORE: Pakistan’s National Cybercrime Investigation Agency (NCIA) has summoned three Norwegian nationals to appear before an investigating committee in Lahore in connection with an inquiry into an alleged online defamation campaign targeting businessman and Pakistan’s Ambassador at Large on Economic Diplomacy Umar Farooq Zahoor.

According to official notices issued under inquiry number ENQ-CCRC-Lahore-1878/26, Norwegian tabloid Verdens Gang (VG) reporter Rolf J. Wideroe, prosecutor Carl Graff Hartmann and the publication’s editor have been directed to appear before investigators on May 13 at 12pm at the Cybercrime Reporting Center in Gulberg II, Lahore.

The notices state that the individuals are required to record their statements and present their version before investigators. The documents further warn that failure to appear would be taken as having nothing to state in their defence.

The summons were issued by Sub-Inspector Nabil Hussain of the Cybercrime Reporting Center Lahore.

The development follows a criminal complaint filed by Umar Farooq Zahoor in a Lahore court under Section 500 of the Pakistan Penal Code, alleging defamation by the Norwegian tabloid and associated individuals.

According to the complaint, VG allegedly published defamatory material after Zahoor’s recent meeting in Islamabad with US Vice President JD Vance during discussions linked to Iran-US peace dialogue efforts facilitated by Pakistan.

Zahoor’s legal team has alleged that the publication falsely described him as “wanted by Norwegian police” and carried what they described as a prolonged “malicious and one-sided campaign” against him over the past 15 years.

The complaint claims the reports were published without seeking Zahoor’s response and despite legal clarifications regarding previous cases. It also states that certain cases against him had been closed by courts and police authorities, while Interpol had reportedly ended related proceedings due to their alleged political nature.

The filing further alleges that the campaign was amplified through coordination with sections of Indian media and caused reputational damage to Zahoor, who has been awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz twice by the Government of Pakistan for his role in attracting foreign investment and services during the Indo-Pakistan conflict.

According to the complaint, Zahoor has been involved in major international business transactions and diplomatic engagements in several countries, particularly in the Middle East and Africa.

Separately, documents from the Sindh government show that authorities recently requested the Ministry of Interior to seek a red warrant against Norwegian journalist Rolf J. Wideroe in connection with a criminal case registered in Shaheed Benazirabad.

Police records state that Wideroe is wanted in FIR No. 225/2015 registered at Police Station A-Section Nawabshah under sections 420, 406 and 506/2 of the Pakistan Penal Code, along with provisions of the Telegraph Act.

Authorities allege that the case relates to accusations of fraud involving approximately Rs10 million linked to promises of securing a Norwegian passport for a Pakistani citizen.