The Lahore High Court (LHC) has rejected Meesha Shafi’s petition seeking to lift restrictions on public statements. The court ruled that the ban on media commentary will remain in effect until the final verdict. It also directed the sessions court to decide the ongoing defamation case within 30 days.
In its detailed order, the LHC noted that allowing statements on social media before the trial concludes could cause irreparable harm to Ali Zafar’s reputation. The court emphasized that repeated public commentary on a sub judice matter amounts to a parallel media trial, which is not permitted under the law.
The bench highlighted that freedom of expression is a fundamental right but is not absolute. No one can use this right to damage another person’s dignity, honor, or reputation. Justice Ahmed Nadeem stated that the interim order by the trial court was lawful, constitutional, and consistent with legal standards. Courts have the authority to restrain parties from making public statements until a final decision is reached.
The LHC also dismissed arguments presented by Meesha Shafi’s counsel that injunctions should not be issued in defamation cases. The court clarified that lifting such restrictions in specific cases would not be legally justified. It further held that reputational damage cannot be fully compensated by monetary awards alone.
The case has a long history. Meesha Shafi publicly accused Ali Zafar of harassment in 2018, sparking widespread attention. Ali Zafar denied the allegations and filed a Rs100 million defamation suit against her. The matter has passed through multiple legal stages, including sessions court proceedings, appeals, and constitutional petitions.
The court issues regarding this case continue to draw public interest because of their legal and social significance. The LHC also referenced an FIA inquiry, which identified Meesha Shafi among nine individuals allegedly involved in a social media campaign against Ali Zafar.
Shafi had argued that the restrictions violated her rights and that she intended only to express her point of view. The court found no merit in her plea. The defamation case remains sub judice, and the final ruling is still pending. Observers say the court issues in this case highlight the balance between free speech and protection of reputation in Pakistan.
In other news read more about: Meesha Shafi wins in Initial Defamation Trial Against UK Channel
