Detailed verdict issued in Zafar-Shafi case

A sessions court in Lahore has issued a detailed judgment in the defamation case filed by singer Ali Zafar against fellow artist Meesha Shafi, declaring the sexual harassment allegations against him as unproven.

Additional Sessions Judge Asif Hayat released a 159-page verdict, directing Meesha Shafi to pay Rs5 million in damages to Ali Zafar for causing mental distress.

The court also restrained Shafi from repeating the allegations on any platform, including electronic, print and social media.

According to the ruling, the court found no sufficient evidence to substantiate Shafi's claims that Ali Zafar had harassed her on three separate occasions. It observed that the plaintiff had no prior record of such allegations and noted his prominence as a well-known Pakistani singer with an extensive performance career.

The judgment acknowledged that reporting incidents of sexual harassment can be challenging in society. However, it concluded that the defendant failed to prove her allegations through available legal forums.