Lahore: A local court has delivered a major verdict in the Ali Zafar case, bringing an end to a long legal battle between two well-known artists.
The court ruled in favor of Ali Zafar and fined Meesha Shafi Rs5 million. This decision came after years of hearings and legal arguments from both sides.
The case continued for eight years and remained one of the most discussed legal disputes in Pakistan’s entertainment industry. During this time, the court changed nine judges. Meanwhile, the court conducted 283 hearings and recorded statements from 20 witnesses.
Additional Sessions Judge Asif Hayat announced the final decision in the case. The court rejected the allegations made by Meesha Shafi against Ali Zafar. As a result, the judge accepted Zafar’s defamation claim and issued a financial penalty against Shafi.
Earlier, Ali Zafar’s lawyer, Umar Tariq Gill, strongly defended his client in this case. He argued that Meesha Shafi harmed Zafar’s reputation by making serious allegations without proof. He also stated that no witness supported the claims. Therefore, he requested heavy compensation in court.
On the other hand, Meesha Shafi’s lawyer, Saqib Jillani, presented a different stance in the case. He claimed that his client faced harassment and refused to work with Ali Zafar afterward. Moreover, he explained that such cases often lack direct witnesses because they involve personal trauma.
Furthermore, the defense argued that courts can accept a victim’s statement as evidence. However, the court reviewed all arguments and evidence before deciding the case.
Ali Zafar presented 13 witnesses to support his position. In contrast, Meesha Shafi presented 7 witnesses. Despite these testimonies, the court found the evidence in favor of Ali Zafar in the case.
In addition, the case showed how long legal battles can drag on for both parties. The court carefully examined all records, statements, and cross-examinations before finalizing the judgment.
Finally, the verdict in the Ali Zafar case marks the conclusion of a high-profile dispute that started in 2018. The ruling now sets a legal precedent and closes a chapter in Pakistan’s entertainment industry.
