Harassment case: Seven witnesses submit affidavit in Ali Zafar’s favour

LAHORE: A sessions court Tuesday adjourned hearing of a defamation suit, filed by actor and singer Ali Zafar against Meesha Shafi till May 29.

Additional District and Sessions Judge Amjad Ali Shah conducted the proceedings wherein Zafar's counsel submitted affidavits of seven witnesses including guitarist Asad Ahmed, bass player Muhammad Ali, Drummer Qaiser Zain, backing vocalist Aqsa Ali, saxophone player Muhammad Taqi, percussionist Kashif Chamman and keyboard player Joshowa Kheet.

She submitted that all witnesses had said that no incident of harassment alleged by Shafi took place during the jamming session held on December 22, 2017.

The counsel submitted that the Supreme Court's written decision would be produced in the court on receiving, in response to a court query. She further argued that the defence counsel were bound to complete the cross examination within seven days.

At this, the court adjourned further hearing till May 29 and summoned Shafi's counsel for cross examination of witnesses. The court also summoned witnesses on the next date of hearing.

Zafar had filed Rs 1 billion defamation case under the Defamation Ordinance 2002, after being accused of harassment. He denied all allegations leveled against him in a statement by Shafi.

In April 2018, Shafi had accused Zafar of harassing her on more than one occasion.

It is pertinent to mention here that flute player Baqir Abbass and singer Kanza Munir had already recorded their witness before the court.