LHC Directs Trial Court to Decide Ali Zafar’s Defamation Case Against Meesha Within 30 Days

Court Endorses Trial Court’s Ruling, Terming It “Well-Reasoned” and Based on “Sound Legal Principles”

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has directed the trial court to conclude the defamation suit filed by singer Ali Zafar against artist Meesha Shafi within 30 days.

Justice Ahmad Nadeem Arshad issued the verdict on a petition filed by Shafi challenging a trial court order from January 24, 2019, which barred her from making statements against Zafar on all media platforms, including social media. The LHC upheld the trial court’s decision, describing it as “well-reasoned” and based on “sound legal principles,” noting that interim injunctions issued by competent courts should not be interfered with unless proven arbitrary, perverse, or legally flawed.

Zafar filed the defamation suit in 2018 under the Defamation Ordinance 2002, seeking Rs1 billion in damages. The case stems from Shafi’s public accusations on Twitter (now X) alleging that Zafar had sexually harassed her on multiple occasions. The singer claimed that these allegations had severely damaged his reputation.

The LHC’s order now mandates that the trial court conclude proceedings promptly, giving a clear timeline for resolution.