Ali Zafar has filed a Rs100 crore defamation case against Meesha Shafi

On April 19 Meesha Shafi took to Twitter to accuse Ali Zafar of sexual harassment

Updated 25 Jun, 2018

Musician and actor Ali Zafar has filed a case worth Rs1 billion against fellow artist Meesha Shafi in a sessions court in Lahore, accusing her of defamation.

Zafar's lawyer Khwaja Tariq Rahim said of the case: "Meesha Shafi's allegations against Ali Zafar were false and baseless. Meesha Shafi leveled these accusations against Ali Zafar to gain cheap publicity... despite being sent a legal notice she has not apologised."

In a statement on Twitter on Thursday, April 19, Meesha had accused Ali of sexually harassing her on more than one occasion. She wrote, “I have been subjected, on more than one occasion, to sexual harassment of a physical nature at the hands of a colleague from my industry: Ali Zafar [...] It has been an extremely traumatic experience for me and my family [...] I feel betrayed by his behaviour and attitude and I know that I'm not alone.”

Ali denied the allegations in a statement on the same day, "I categorically deny any and all claims of harassment lodged against me by Ms Shafi." Later, he sent Meesha a legal notice in which he demanded that Meesha delete the tweet that contained her allegations against him and issued an apology on Twitter, failing which he will file a Rs100 crore defamation suit against her.

Following Meesha's allegations, several women came forward on Twitter to also accuse Ali Zafar of harassment.

Images has reached out to Meesha Shafi for comment.

This is a developing story and will be updated accordingly

Comments

Irfan Jun 24, 2018 12:05am

Good, timely and sensible decision by Ali Zafar.

Recommend

Gul Jun 24, 2018 12:09am

Someone please shed light on defamation law suit whether it is applicable in Pakistan. Did any 'dignitary' win the law suit yet?

Imran Ahmed Jun 24, 2018 12:44am

Whatever he does, the world now knows the truth about him.

Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Jun 24, 2018 01:12am

Who is right and who is wrong, only time will tell and confirm.

Zia Rehman Jun 24, 2018 05:51am

She should be given examplary punishment If charges prove to be unfounded.

Ahmed Jun 24, 2018 06:33am

Please file for something which is practical. Who is going to give Ali RS 1 billion.

Riz Jun 24, 2018 08:20am

I hope this case sees logical and just conclusion as dignity of two accomplished artists is at stake.

Yaar Nawab Jun 24, 2018 09:10am

Ali Zafar is fighting a lost battle - he has been exposed - multiple women have come forward and shared the same story and spoke about his harassing behavior towards women.

King Jun 24, 2018 03:19pm

Be strong Ali Zafar and go after the blackmailer.

King Jun 24, 2018 03:20pm

Blackmailing of women will not be tolerated.

Hasan kazmi Jun 24, 2018 08:12pm

Cheap publicity for what ?! She is already famous and worked her way up, why now would she use this for publicity ! And how can anyone say it’s come cheap, what’s wrong with this guy.

ukz Jun 24, 2018 09:38pm

How can allegations of this nature be proved in court?

Anwaar Rabbani Jun 24, 2018 10:23pm

It is a sorry state of affairs..arising many doubts and questions over such awkward & indecent accusations.... Were these characters alone in the room where such incident occurred? Any witness or recording video etc.. As the matter is now in the court....the crystal clear picture will come out..

Must learn Jun 25, 2018 07:21am

@Gul .There's no remedy in defamation suit in Pak, but Ali Zafar himself will get defamation, and possibly no work for him in future. His career and dignity at stake. The women rights organizations in India & Pak will stand by Meesha, and Ali will be at loss at the receiving end.