Court verdict in long-running harassment case triggers intense online debate and celebrity exchange in Pakistan.
A renewed social media controversy has emerged in Pakistan following the court’s decision in the long-running dispute between Ali Zafar and Meesha Shafi, reigniting debate over harassment allegations and public commentary on the case.
The court recently ruled that Meesha Shafi’s allegations could not be substantiated and ordered her to pay damages of 5 million rupees. The case dates back to 2018 when she accused Ali Zafar of sexual harassment, a claim that led to years of legal proceedings and widespread public attention.
Following the verdict, journalist Iqrar ul Hassan posted a reaction on social media platform X, stating that the compensation was minor compared to the suffering faced by Ali Zafar and calling for stricter consequences in false allegation cases.
His remarks triggered a strong response from actress Ayesha Omar, who criticized his comments in a sharply worded post, accusing him of biased rhetoric and questioning his public conduct. Her statement quickly went viral, intensifying the online divide.
Social media users remain split, with one group supporting the court’s decision and Iqrar ul Hassan’s stance, while others argue that Ayesha Omar’s reaction highlights broader concerns about women’s rights and harassment discourse.
The case remains one of Pakistan’s most prominent and controversial legal battles linked to the #MeToo movement, continuing to shape public opinion even after the verdict.
About The Author
