Court fines Meesha Shafi Rs5 Million in defamation case filed by Ali Zafar

LAHORE: A local court in Lahore has imposed a fine of Rs5 million on Meesha Shafi in a defamation case filed by renowned singer Ali Zafar, bringing an end to a prolonged legal battle spanning eight years.

The verdict has been announced by Additional Sessions Judge Asif Hayat in a defamation suit filed by Ali Zafar in 2018. The court has rejected Meesha Shafi’s allegations and has dismissed her claims while imposing a financial penalty.

The trial in the case has been extensive as 283 hearings were held in the past eight years, during which nine judges were changed and statements of 20 witnesses were recorded. Ali Zafar presented 13 witnesses in support of his case, while Meesha Shafi presented seven witnesses.

During the final hearing of the case, Ali Zafar’s lawyer Omar Tariq Gul argued that the allegations of sexual harassment had harmed Ali Zafar’s reputation and were not based on facts. He had demanded Rs1 billion in damages.

On the other hand, Meesha Shafi’s lawyer, Saqib Jilani, contended that most allegations of harassment are based on the victim’s testimony and referred to legal precedents in this regard. He pleaded with the court to dismiss the defamation suit with a penalty on the plaintiff.

After hearing both parties’ arguments, witness testimonies, and cross-examinations, the court reserved its decision before announcing its verdict on this highly publicized defamation case in Pakistan.