LAHORE: The Lahore High Court has put a temporary hold on the order requiring Misha Shafi to pay Rs. 5 million in damages to singer Ali Zafar, as she has filed an appeal against the verdict.
During the hearing, Justice Ahmed Nadeem Arshad considered Misha Shafi’s petition challenging the damages awarded to Ali Zafar. The court decided to suspend the payment order and directed Misha Shafi to deposit half of the Rs. 5 million damages in court as security. The remaining amount has also been ordered to be deposited as a guarantee.
A notice was issued to Ali Zafar, summoning him to respond to Misha Shafi’s appeal. The court also dismissed Misha Shafi’s lawyer’s request to stay the entire decision of the lower court.
The court pointed out that the trial court’s ruling prevented Misha Shafi from making further allegations of sexual harassment, and such orders cannot be suspended or overturned. The court emphasized that allegations of sexual harassment must be proven before they can be publicly made.
It is important to note that the Lahore Sessions Court had earlier ordered Misha Shafi to pay Rs. 5 million in damages in a defamation case filed by Ali Zafar, following her accusations of sexual harassment. Zafar had also filed a suit seeking Rs. 100 crore in damages over the allegations.
