'Justice must rest on evidence, not pressure', says Ali Zafar

Pakistani singer and actor Ali Zafar has spoken candidly about his long legal battle, saying the experience has reshaped his understanding of patience, resilience, and justice.

In an exclusive conversation with Express Tribune, Zafar expressed gratitude to those who supported him during what he described as a deeply testing time.

"I am grateful to those who stood by me and the truth in testing times," he said. "I hold no bitterness for those who doubted. We are all works in progress, still learning. The world needs more compassion than judgment."

Reflecting on the prolonged legal proceedings, the singer said the most significant lesson he learned was discovering inner strength in moments of adversity.

"Patience, and a kind of strength you don't know you have until you need it," he explained. "When judgment comes from all sides, you are forced to go inward. I learned that silence is not weakness, and that holding your ground without losing yourself, quietly, consistently is the hardest work there is."

Zafar added that maintaining composure amid public scrutiny proved to be one of the most challenging aspects of the ordeal, but ultimately, it was that quiet perseverance that helped him endure.

"And in the end, that work is what carries you through," he said.

Speaking about his current state of mind, Zafar noted a sense of closure and calm after the conclusion of the case.

"For me, this is just peace now," he said.

However, he also stressed the broader implications of false accusations, highlighting the personal and professional toll they can take.

"It is worth recognizing that a false accusation carries real consequences - for a person's name, their relationships, and their life. That too must be part of how we think about justice," he said.

Zafar further underlined the importance of due process, insisting that legal decisions should be based on evidence rather than public opinion.

"Professionally, justice must rest on evidence and law - not on noise or pressure," he said. "Innocent until proven guilty is not just a legal standard, it is a human one."

Looking ahead, the artist expressed optimism about returning to creative work and collaborations.

"I look forward to creating and collaborating again with those who stand by that," he added.

Zafar's remarks come after years of legal proceedings that drew widespread public attention and debate, making his case one of the most closely followed in Pakistan's entertainment industry.

A sessions court on Tuesday ordered singer Meesha Shafi to pay singer-cum-actor Ali Zafar Rs5 million in damages.

The court issued a short order in a defamation case filed against Shafi by Zafar for levelling allegations of sexual harassment.

Ali Zafar's lawyer, Advocate Umer Tariq Gill, explained the evidence presented in court and the verdict. According to Gill, Meesha's allegations first appeared in a tweet on 19 April 2018: "I was harassed of a physical nature and this happened to me when I had established my name in the industry. Silence is not an option and you should speak up." She later told InStep Today: "There are two incidents of sexual harassment"—one at Ali Zafar's father-in-law's residence and another during a jamming session at his studio.

Gill highlighted that before signing a contract, Meesha admitted in court: "I was very confused whether to sign this contract or not because two incidents of sexual harassment had allegedly happened to me. But it was my bread and butter, so I signed it. I decided to limit my interaction with Ali only to what was necessary for my contractual obligations."

The legal team presented testimony from 13 independent eyewitnesses, including nine senior musicians present during the alleged third incident. "We were present throughout the jamming session. She hugged Ali when she arrived and waved to everyone. The session lasted 45–60 minutes. No inappropriate act was observed. We remained present throughout and did not leave," Gill said. Two female vocalists and even Meesha's manager also confirmed no harassment occurred.

Gill further clarified the court verdict under defamation law: "The District Court determined that the allegations were false and defamatory and not made in the public interest. This judicial finding confirms that the allegations themselves were false, and only then could the defamation claim be decided. Since the District Court issued this declaration, the matter could no longer remain pending in any other forum."

A key witness, Sara Rehman, confirmed that Meesha appeared friendly and comfortable at a get-together 2–3 months after the alleged incident, and showed no signs of discomfort at a birthday gathering.

Gill concluded: "Ali produced 13 eyewitnesses, all independent, senior musicians. Their testimony is unshaken. Meesha's witnesses seven over six years, included only two eyewitnesses, both of whom admitted they saw nothing. The remaining five had no firsthand knowledge of the incidents."

The ruling dismisses the allegations, particularly the third claimed incident, as demonstrably false, marking a decisive victory for Ali Zafar in one of Pakistan's most high-profile entertainment legal battles.