The long-running legal battle between Pakistani singer Ali Zafar and singer Meesha Shafi has taken a new dramatic turn, with Ali Zafar’s legal team directing sharp criticism at actress Iffat Omar following her vocal reaction to the court’s verdict.
A sessions court ruled in favour of Ali Zafar after approximately 284 hearings, finding that Meesha Shafi’s social media posts contained “false, defamatory, and injurious imputations” against him. The court awarded Zafar general damages for harm to his reputation, dignity, and mental distress, and directed Shafi to pay Rs5 million.
Following the ruling, Iffat Omar, who had been a primary character witness for Meesha Shafi, expressed deep disappointment and stated she would not step back from her truth, even if it meant facing prison.
Ali Zafar’s legal team responded by calling out Iffat Omar’s behavior as provocative and entitled, accusing her of deliberately creating controversy rather than respecting the legal outcome.
A war of words erupted on social media, with celebrities divided in their support, and Iffat Omar also clashing publicly with anchorperson Iqrar ul Hassan over his congratulatory message to Ali Zafar.
Shafi’s lawyer, Nighat Dad, confirmed the ruling will be challenged in the High Court, saying: “This is far from the end of the road.” The case, which became one of Pakistan’s most prominent MeToo stories, continues to divide public opinion as its legal journey moves forward.
