LAHORE: National Cybercrime Investigation Agency has summoned three Norwegian nationals to appear before an investigating committee in Lahore in connection with a defamation-related inquiry, according to official notices.

The notices, issued under inquiry number ENQ-CCRC-Lahore-1878/26, direct three individuals — VG reporter Rolf J Wideroe, prosecutor Carl Graff Hartmann and the editor of Verdens Gang — to appear in person before investigators on May 13 at 12pm at the Cybercrime Reporting Centre in Gulberg II, Lahore, to record their statements and present their version of events.

The notification states: “You are directed to appear in person before the undersigned to record your version.”

It further warns that in case of non-appearance, “it will be assumed that you have nothing to present or state in your defence”.

The notices were issued and signed by Sub-Inspector Nabil Hussain of the Cybercrime Reporting Centre Lahore.

The NCCIA initiated action after businessman and Pakistan’s Ambassador at Large on Economic Diplomacy Umar Farooq Zahoor filed a criminal complaint in a Lahore court following reports published by Norwegian tabloid Verdens Gang.

According to the complaint, the publication allegedly ran a defamatory campaign against Zahoor in association with Indian media after his recent meeting with US Vice President JD Vance in Islamabad related to the Iran-US peace dialogue facilitated by Pakistan.

The complaint, filed under Section 500 of the Pakistan Penal Code, named Verdens Gang, reporter Rolf J Wideroe and prosecutor Carl Graff Hartmann for allegedly publishing defamatory material against the Dubai-based Pakistani-origin businessman.

Zahoor’s legal team alleged that the publication falsely described him as “wanted by Norwegian police” in an article published after his high-profile diplomatic engagement in Islamabad.

The article referenced Zahoor’s meeting with members of the American delegation, including JD Vance, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.