A Pakistani court has issued summons to the chief editor and a reporter of the Norwegian right-wing tabloid Verdens Gang (VG), along with a local Pakistani publication, for allegedly publishing false and defamatory content targeting Pakistani-origin businessman Umar Farooq Zahoor.
The Additional District and Sessions Court in Ferozwala has directed the chief editor of VG, journalist Rolf J. Wideroe, and the local publication to appear in court on December 17, 2024, in connection with Zahoor’s defamation case. Failure to comply will result in ex-parte proceedings. Court notices have already been served at the Norwegian tabloid’s address.
Defamation Case Alleges Racism and Islamophobia
According to the legal petition, the defendants have allegedly engaged in a sustained malicious campaign against Zahoor, motivated by racism and Islamophobia. The case claims, “The defendants in collusion with each other have been targeting the plaintiff with defamatory articles for over 15 years, driven by personal vendettas and bigotry.”
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The petition also highlights the tabloid’s alleged history of publishing anti-Islamic and anti-Pakistani content, accusing the defendants of using blackmail and propaganda to damage Zahoor’s reputation. It seeks Rs. 605,000,000 in damages for harm caused to his professional and personal standing.
Zahoor’s legal team asserts that the tabloid has consistently misrepresented facts about him, including allegations concerning the Toshakhana case and his receipt of the Hilal-e-Pakistan award. The suit contends that Zahoor’s name was nominated for the prestigious Hilal-e-Imtiaz award due to his efforts in securing significant foreign investment for Pakistan.
Counterclaims Against Tabloid and Its Reporter
The lawsuit also accuses VG of withholding critical context while reporting on a judicial ruling related to Zahoor. It alleges that the presiding judge, whose remarks the tabloid relied on, was later convicted of child pornography offenses, something that was intentionally concealed by the publication.
Additionally, the suit details a dismissed criminal case filed by the Norwegian tabloid against Zahoor. According to the lawsuit, Oslo Police found no evidence to support allegations that Zahoor had threatened the tabloid, declaring the case baseless in a notification issued on March 23, 2023.
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The case also implicates journalist Rolf J. Wideroe as a proclaimed offender in Pakistan since 2015. Wideroe is accused of defrauding a Pakistani citizen, Maqsood Ali, of Rs. 10 million by falsely promising assistance in obtaining a Norwegian passport. Following this alleged fraud, Pakistani authorities secured non-bailable warrants for Wideroe and requested his red notice issuance, but he remains at large.
This article was received directly from the reporter.