LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday directed a trial court to conclude within 30 days the long-running defamation case filed by singer Ali Zafar against actress and singer Meesha Shafi.
Justice Ahmed Nadeem Arshad dismissed a petition by Shafi challenging a lower court order that barred her from making public statements about the case until a final verdict is delivered.
Upholding the restriction, the LHC ruled that while freedom of expression is a constitutional right, courts may impose reasonable limits to ensure a fair trial. The judge said the gag order was lawful and aimed at preventing undue influence on judicial proceedings.
Shafi’s lawyer argued that injunctions should not be applied in defamation matters, but the court rejected the claim, noting that trial courts have the authority to regulate public commentary while a case is underway.
Ali Zafar filed the defamation suit in 2018 after Shafi accused him of sexual harassment, seeking Rs1 billion in damages and an unconditional apology, claiming the allegations harmed his reputation and livelihood.
The trial court had first issued the gag order in January 2019. Shafi’s appeal against that decision has now been dismissed by the LHC.
In 2021, the Supreme Court admitted Shafi’s petition for hearing and linked it with a broader case on defining sexual harassment, which remains pending.