A sessions court has ruled in favour of Ali Zafar in a high-profile defamation case against fellow artist Meesha Shafi, declaring allegations of sexual harassment against him as unproven. Additional Sessions Judge Asif Hayat issued a detailed 159-page verdict, ordering Meesha to pay Rs5 million in damages to Zafar for causing mental distress.
Zafar had filed a defamation claim of Rs1 billion against Meesha after she accused him of harassment, with the case having spanned over eight years.
Throughout the eight years, nine judges were changed, and 283 hearings were held. A total of 20 witnesses were called to testify, and their statements were recorded.