Pakistan’s National Cybercrime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has summoned three Norwegian nationals in connection with a defamation-related investigation initiated after a complaint filed by businessman and diplomat Umar Farooq Zahoor.
According to official notices, the individuals have been directed to appear before investigators in Lahore on May 13.
NCCIA Issues Official Notices
The inquiry is being conducted under inquiry number ENQ-CCRC-Lahore-1878/26.
The notices were reportedly issued to:
- Norwegian tabloid reporter Rolf J Wideroe
- Prosecutor Carl Graff Hartmann
- An editor associated with the Norwegian publication Verdens Gang (VG)
The individuals have been asked to appear at the Cybercrime Reporting Centre in Gulberg II, Lahore, to record their statements and present their version of events.
According to the notices, failure to appear may be interpreted as declining to provide a defence in the matter.
Background of the Complaint
The investigation follows a criminal complaint filed in a Lahore court by Umar Farooq Zahoor, who currently serves as Pakistan’s Ambassador at Large on Economic Diplomacy.
Zahoor alleges that the Norwegian publication ran defamatory material against him, particularly after reports emerged regarding his meeting in Islamabad with senior US officials connected to discussions on Iran-US diplomacy.
His legal team claims the publication falsely described him as being “wanted by Norwegian police,” which they argue damaged his reputation.
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Diplomatic Context
The controversy reportedly intensified following Zahoor’s participation in meetings involving senior American figures, including US Vice President JD Vance, during discussions linked to regional diplomatic efforts.
The reports gained attention in both Pakistani and international media, leading to legal and political debate surrounding press coverage, reputation, and cross-border jurisdiction.
Legal and Media Dimensions
The case raises broader questions regarding:
- Cross-border defamation disputes
- Media accountability and journalistic standards
- Jurisdiction in cybercrime and online publication cases
- Diplomatic sensitivity surrounding international reporting
Legal experts note that cases involving foreign journalists and overseas media organizations can become complex due to differences in national laws and press freedom protections.
NCCIA’s Expanding Role
The NCCIA has increasingly handled cases involving online defamation, cyber harassment, and digital investigations in Pakistan.
The agency’s move to issue notices to foreign nationals reflects the growing international dimension of cyber-related legal disputes, particularly where online publications are accessible across borders.
The summons issued by Pakistan’s cybercrime agency mark a significant development in the ongoing dispute involving Umar Farooq Zahoor and the Norwegian publication Verdens Gang. As the inquiry proceeds, the case is likely to draw attention to the intersection of international media reporting, digital law enforcement, and diplomatic sensitivities.
