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LAHORE: A sessions court in Lahore has delivered its verdict in the long-standing defamation case filed by singer and actor Ali Zafar against fellow artist Meesha Shafi, directing Shafi to pay Rs5 million in damages, according to reports.
Additional Sessions Judge Asif Hayat announced the decision after years of legal proceedings, ruling that the defendant failed to substantiate her allegations based on the evidence presented before the court.
The case dates back to 2018, when Ali Zafar filed a defamation suit, claiming that allegations made by Meesha Shafi had caused significant harm to his reputation. He had originally sought damages worth Rs1 billion.
During nearly eight years of hearings, the court recorded testimonies from both parties and multiple witnesses, while legal teams conducted detailed cross-examinations. Final arguments continued for several months after the completion of evidence before the judgment was reserved.
In its ruling, the court awarded Rs5 million to Ali Zafar, a reduced amount compared to the initial claim, while upholding his position that the allegations remained unproven.
Reacting to the verdict, counsel for Ali Zafar, Umar Tariq Gill, stated that the court had dismissed Meesha Shafi’s stance that her statements were made in the public interest, terming them unsubstantiated.
The decision marks a significant development in one of Pakistan’s most high-profile defamation disputes, concluding years of legal proceedings between the two artists.
Background and Legal History
The dispute between Ali Zafar and Meesha Shafi began in 2018, when Shafi accused Zafar of harassment through social media posts. The allegations gained widespread attention and became a prominent case associated with the global #MeToo movement.
Ali Zafar denied the claims and initiated legal action, stating that the allegations had caused serious damage to his personal and professional reputation. He sought legal remedy and financial compensation, maintaining that the accusations were false.
Over the years, the matter progressed through various legal stages, including hearings in sessions courts, appeals, and petitions in higher courts. Proceedings largely focused on procedural aspects such as jurisdiction, admissibility of evidence, and trial conduct.
The case remained under judicial consideration for years and continued to draw public and legal attention due to its broader social and cultural implications in Pakistan.
