Life & Style

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

Rida Lodhi August 01, 2018

Meesha had accused Zafar of sexual harassment in a series of tweets. FILE PHOTOS

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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COMMENTS (11)

Sadia Farooq | 5 years ago | Reply The real problem of our society that either they dont know about the relevant laws and woman particularly dont want to report such cases cause they feel it will affect their reputation. We are far away to gain the confidence of woman in our society, this might be an obstruction to its implication #SupportMeeshaShafi

Sara Khan | 5 years ago | Reply We can not decide that she fails to appear in court. There is no smoke without fire. If the girl is making such a big statement there must be some truth to it and why would she do that when she knows her name is also in this. That’s true statement and I’m with Meesha Shafi

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Sadaf Kamal | 5 years ago | Reply No woman will raise false charges of sexual harassment unless there is a reason. This is because women value their self-respect much more than men. This again shows how male dominated society still, so being born in this male dominated society is like undergoing life imprisonment for a woman.

rida | 5 years ago | Reply when women talk about any kind of misogynistic abuse, three things happen. We are told that we should stop making a fuss. We are told that it could be worse. We are told that other issues are more serious. I would like to applaud the extraordinary bravery of the Meesha who came forward to show the real face of ali zafar.it is only through acts of bravery like this that we will see change.

Parvez | 5 years ago | Reply This is getting silly ......both should put their egos aside and sit across a table and settle this.

Sumeet Anjum | 5 years ago | Reply I think it was all just a publicity stunt for Teefa in trouble to make in highlighted in the news...showing the teefa in real trouble. They have wasted everybody time. Such publicity stunts should be discouraged and Government should take action regarding to check authenticity of the report and punish the real culprit.

Hamid Lucman | 5 years ago | Reply @masood hussain Her real birth name is MEERA SHAFI. Meesha is adpoted stage name.

asad khan | 5 years ago | Reply @ Salman... Try asking intelligent questions next time

Shahid | 5 years ago | Reply Look at her, what she's trying to do is so unrealistic. She doesn't even attend the court hearings. Why? Of course because she's not innocent that's why. Think, before you decide. It's all in your hands.

masood hussain | 5 years ago | Reply This is so surprising to see that the order passed by the honorable governor's office did not get Meesha Shafi's name right. The entire document displays her name as MEERA SHAFI and not MEESHA SHAFI. This order surely must have been examined by so many "responsible" persons before issuing the final order.

salman | 5 years ago | Reply Why she appealed to governor of Punjab. What he has to do with the case at first place ?

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