A sessions court in Lahore has wrapped up proceedings in the defamation lawsuit filed by singer Ali Zafar against Meesha Shafi. Additional Sessions Judge Asif Hayat presided over the case, during which Ali Zafar’s lawyer, Umar Tariq Gill, presented written arguments. The counsel argued that Meesha Shafi’s allegations lacked the necessary legal foundation and were unsupported by sufficient evidence.
The court acknowledged that both parties have completed their arguments and submitted written statements. The hearing was adjourned until March 30, when the judge will review the entire case record. Depending on the review, the court may request further clarifications from the lawyers. If no additional information is needed, the verdict could be reserved at that time.
Ali Zafar initiated the defamation suit in 2018, seeking Rs1 billion in damages after Meesha Shafi accused him of harassment. This legal battle began when Meesha Shafi made public allegations against Ali Zafar on social media, attracting significant attention as one of Pakistan’s most prominent cases linked to the global #MeToo movement.
Ali Zafar has consistently denied the accusations and responded by filing the defamation case in Lahore, claiming the allegations severely harmed his reputation, career, and professional standing. He has pursued both compensation and legal remedy, maintaining the claims were false and malicious.
Over the years, the dispute has progressed through various legal phases, including sessions court hearings, appeals, and constitutional petitions in higher courts. Much of the litigation has focused on procedural matters such as jurisdiction, evidence admissibility, and trial conduct rather than a substantive ruling on the allegations themselves.
The case remains pending, with no final decision yet on the defamation claim. It continues to draw close public and legal scrutiny due to its significant social, cultural, and legal ramifications within Pakistan.
