ISLAMABAD – The Supreme Court has approved the appeal of Pakistani singer Meesha Shafi against the verdict of Lahore High Court (LHC) for the initial hearing.
The apex court on Monday issued notices to singer-actor Ali Zafar and Punjab Advocate General, stating that suo moto notice over the definition of harassment is also under hearing.
Taking to Twitter, the 39-year-old wrote, “Tomorrow, the Supreme Court of Pakistan hears my appeal on whether I, a ‘self-employed person’ have a right, as per the law, to be heard after being harassed and therefore expect justice on merit as an equal citizen.”
Thread*
Tomorrow, the Supreme Court of Pakistan hears my appeal on whether I, a ‘self employed person’ have a right, as per the law, to be heard after being harassed and therefore expect justice on merit as an equal citizen.
— MEESHA SHAFI (@itsmeeshashafi) January 10, 2021
“If ruled in my favour, this will be a landmark judgment in the history of Pakistan, determining those that are self-employed, as having the same rights to complain and seek justice as any other”, she added.
If ruled in my favour, this will be a landmark judgment in the history of Pakistan, determining those that are self employed, as having the same rights to complain and seek justice as any other.
— MEESHA SHAFI (@itsmeeshashafi) January 10, 2021
The proceedings on the case have been adjourned for the indefinite time period.
Earlier, the Lahore High Court had rejected Meesha’s appeals as the alleged harassment was not covered by the workplace harassment law.
Meesha Shafi skips court appearance in defamation lawsuit – again
In April 2018, Shafi alleged Ali Zafar of harassment on ‘more than one occasion.’ “This happened to me despite the fact that I am an empowered, accomplished woman who is known for speaking her mind,” she said.
In response, Ali Zafar filed a defamation suit against Shafi. He denied the allegations and wants her to pay restitution for the damage to his reputation and levelling false allegations against him.
FIA on December 16 accused eight people, including Shafi for staging a defamatory social media campaign against Zafar.
Meesha Shafi ‘staged a defamation drive’ against Ali Zafar: FIA
