A sessions court in Lahore on Tuesday ruled in favour of Ali Zafar in a long-running defamation case against fellow singer Meesha Shafi, ordering Meesha Shafi to pay Rs5 million in damages.
Additional Sessions Judge Asif Hayat announced the reserved verdict, concluding litigation that began in 2018 when Zafar filed a Rs1 billion defamation suit under the Defamation Ordinance 2002. The case stemmed from Shafi’s public allegations of sexual harassment against Zafar, which he consistently denied.
In a short order, the court declared Shafi’s April 19, 2018, social media post and her April 21 interview to be “false, defamatory and injurious imputations” against Zafar. The ruling stated that the allegations of physical sexual harassment “have not been proved to be true or made for public good,” thereby constituting actionable defamation.
The court held that Zafar was entitled to compensation for damage to his reputation, dignity, and mental well-being. However, it found that claims of special damages were not substantiated with sufficient evidence. Consequently, it awarded Rs5 million as general damages.
The verdict also imposed a permanent restraint on Shafi, barring her from repeating or publishing the allegations in any form, including print, electronic, or social media.
The case saw extensive proceedings, including 284 hearings, testimony from 20 witnesses, and the transfer of nine judges over several years. It also followed a directive from the Lahore High Court, which had instructed the trial court earlier this year to decide the matter within 30 days.
Zafar’s counsel, Umar Tariq Gill, said further clarity would emerge after the detailed judgment is issued. Meanwhile, Shafi’s lawyer, Saqib Jilani, indicated that the verdict would be challenged in the high court after reviewing the certified copy.