Pak Singer jailed for 3 years for falsely accusing Ali Zafar of sexual harassment

Mumbai : Pakistani singer Meesha Shaafi  faces up to three years of jail term. Meesha Shaafi is the same person who had levelled serious allegations of sexual harassment against singer-actor Ali Zafar.

Meesha Shaafi had accused Ali Zafar of sexually harassing her during the #MeToo 2018 movement. In return, Ali Zafar had filed criminal defamation charges against her.

Meesha’s accusations marked the entry of the worldwide popular #MeToo movement. The movement was started by women to share their experiences of sexual harassment faced by them at the workplace that they were unable to address back then, in conservative Pakistan.

Singer’s statement read, “I have been subjected to sexual harassment of a physical nature,  on more than one occasion at the hands of a colleague from my industry : Ali Zafar. These incidences did not happen when I was young, or just entering the industry. This happened to me even though I am an empowered, accomplished woman who is known for speaking her mind! This happened to me as a mother of two children,” read the singer’s statement.

Eight other women also came out and accused the singer-actor Ali Zafar of sexual misconduct after Meesha. However, the actor categorically denied all allegations and has filed defamation cases against all the women.

Ali Zafar’s statement read, “I categorically deny all claims of harassment lodged against me by Ms Shafi. I intend to take this through the courts of law and to address this professionally and seriously rather than to lodge any allegations here, contesting personal vendettas on social media and in turn disrespecting the movement, my family, the industry and my fans. Ultimately I am a strong believer that the truth always prevails.”