Umar Farooq Zahoor files defamation complaint against Norwegian tabloid

LAHORE: Businessman and Pakistan’s Ambassador-at-Large on Economic Diplomacy Umar Farooq Zahoor has filed a criminal complaint in a Lahore court against Norwegian tabloid Verdens Gang, accusing it of running a defamatory campaign against him in association with Indian media.

The complaint, filed under Section 500 of the Pakistan Penal Code, also names reporter Rolf J Wideroe and prosecutor Carl Graff Hartmann for allegedly publishing false and damaging claims about Zahoor following his recent meeting with US Vice President JD Vance in Islamabad linked to Iran-US peace dialogue.

According to the complaint, the publication falsely described Zahoor as “wanted by Norwegian police” after his high-profile engagement with a US delegation that included Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

Zahoor has alleged that the tabloid has been running a “malicious and one-sided campaign” against him for over 15 years, publishing defamatory material without seeking his response and repeating allegations despite legal clarifications and closure of cases by relevant authorities.

He stated that previous legal action in Pakistan resulted in a Lahore court awarding Rs3 million in damages against the publication in 2025 after it failed to retract earlier reports.

The complaint further alleges that the tabloid, in collaboration with Indian media, attempted to damage Zahoor’s reputation despite his international business standing and recognition, including being awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz twice for contributions to foreign investment and economic diplomacy.

Zahoor’s legal team argued that the respondents concealed key facts, including that he had never visited Norway since 2005, while the alleged case cited by the publication dates back to 2010.

The complaint maintains that investigations conducted in Norway, the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan cleared Zahoor of allegations, with authorities including Interpol and UAE officials reportedly giving him a clean chit.

His lawyers told the court that the latest publication revived previously settled allegations and formed part of a broader attempt to malign both Zahoor and Pakistan’s image, particularly amid his involvement in diplomatic efforts related to Iran-US engagement.

According to a certificate issued by Norwegian police on March 16, 2026, Zahoor has no criminal record or convictions registered in Norway.

The court has been requested to take action against the respondents for defamation, with proceedings expected to continue in the coming days.