High-profile court verdict reignites national conversation on harassment, justice, and credibility of women’s voices
A sessions court in Lahore has concluded the long-running defamation case between Ali Zafar and Meesha Shafi, ordering Shafi to pay Rs5 million in damages after ruling her allegations unproven and defamatory.
The case, filed in 2018, spanned nearly eight years and 284 hearings before reaching its final decision in March 2026. The court found that Shafi’s social media statements caused reputational harm and mental distress to Zafar, though it dismissed claims for additional damages due to lack of evidence. Shafi has also been barred from repeating the allegations.
Reacting strongly to the verdict, actress Iffat Omar called it a setback for women who speak out against harassment. In a public statement, she said she stood by her position and would not retreat from her truth, emphasizing that her support for Shafi was personal and rooted in long-standing relationships.
Omar criticized the pressure faced by women supporting harassment claims, including threats of legal consequences. She argued that the ruling undermines women’s credibility and reflects broader societal challenges. Highlighting the prevalence of harassment, she said such experiences are common yet often dismissed.
The verdict has reignited debate across Pakistan, with legal experts, activists, and the public divided over its implications for defamation law and gender justice.
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