Punjab governor dismisses Meesha Shafi's sexual harassment appeal against Ali Zafar

Meesha filed a complaint to the Punjab governor under the Protection Against Harassment of Women at Workplace Act 2010

KARACHI: In a latest development, Meesha Shafi's appeal to the Governor of Punjab against Ali Zafar has been dismissed, the latter's legal team informed The Express Tribune on Tuesday.

Previously, Meesha had filed a complaint to the governor against the Teefa In Trouble actor, under the Protection Against Harassment of Women at Workplace Act 2010.

PHOTO: THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE

However, her appeal was rejected on July 11 as Meesha wasn't an actual employee at the time the harassment allegedly took place and so, was not bound by any formal contract. Therefore, the case does not fall under the said act.

"Meesha was not compelled in any way to work with Ali," the Kill Dill actor's legal team said in a statement. "The appeal was dismissed some time ago, around the same time Ali's debut Pakistani film Teefa in Trouble was releasing. Therefore, we didn't want the attention from the movie to be diverted," a member from the team, Ambreen Qureshi said.

PHOTO: THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE

"The appeal has been dismissed on technical basis, which means when ombudsman cited the case to be not under the said act. Our plan is to appeal again on a competent forum and hopefully justice will prevail," confirmed Meesha's lawyer, Ahmed Pansota.

PHOTO: THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE

"I have always maintained that I will respect and honour whatever decision the justice system takes and that I believe justice shall be served in the best possible manner," Ali said in a statement. The verdict, a copy of which is available with The Express Tribune, stated both involved parties have been informed.

PHOTO: THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE

Previously, Meesha's lawyers informed the publication that the singer had filed a complaint against Ali with the ombudsman under the sexual harassment at workplace ordinance. However, since the ombudsman did not constitute on the grounds of sexual harassment at workplace appeals, the matter had to be taken to the governor.

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