Court issues stay order in favour of Ali Zafar

First hearing of the defamation case against Meesha Shafi was held earlier today

LAHORE: Ever since singer Meesha Shafi claimed that Ali Zafar harassed her on multiple occasions, many women came forward sharing their horrific experiences with the Channo singer. After Shafi's allegations, Zafar took to social media and stated that the Aya Lariye singer's claims were false. He added that he would be filing a defamation case against her for ridiculing him.

#MeToo reaches Pakistan as more women come forth accusing Ali Zafar

Zafar had then sent a lawsuit to Shafi, demanding Rs1 billion for a damage to his reputation. The hearing of the case was held today at the Session Court Lahore under the chairmanship of judge, Shehzad Ahmed.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bjy5RxHnOVi/?hl=en&taken-by=ali_zafar

The court sought response from Shafi after Rana Intizar Hussain - Zafar's counsel - presented his arguments. Zafar's advocate Khawaja Tariq Rahim registered the claim.

Zafar's counsel rejected all of Shafi's harassment allegations, terming them baseless and false. Hussain continued that the Sun Ve Balori singer was using it as a means of achieving cheap publicity.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhltHbFn6iA/?hl=en&taken-by=ali_zafar

Meesha Shafi’s counsel rejects defamation notice sent by Ali Zafar

The Jhoom singer's legal team also explained that Shafi had not issued an apology despite the notice that was served to her. Hussain requested the court to issue an order to Shafi and pay Rs1 billion as indemnification.

Judge Shehzad has granted a stay order in favour of Zafar that restrains Shafi from making any defamatory statements across all available mediums till final decision of the case.

PHOTO: EXPRESS TRIBUNE

PHOTO: EXPRESS TRIBUNE

In the case lodged by Zafar’s legal cousel, it is stated that Shafi’s allegations were already dismissed a few weeks ago at the ombudsman’s office – the official organisation that protects women from harassment. The case was dismissed for not withstanding Shafi’s allegation of harassment at the workplace.

PHOTO: EXPRESS TRIBUNE

The next date of the court hearing will be held in July. Shafi was not present at the hearing.

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