Meesha Shafi Wins Defamation Case Against UK-Based ARY Channel

Pakistani singer Meesha Shafi has won a defamation lawsuit against UK-based broadcaster New Vision TV (NVTV), a subsidiary of ARY Network. The channel issued an on-air apology after admitting to publishing false claims that damaged her reputation.

Channel Admits Fault, Settles Out of Court

NVTV acknowledged its 2020 report created a “misunderstanding” and expressed regret for any distress caused. The settlement comes after the UK High Court ruled in 2023 that the channel had defamed Shafi by portraying her as someone who “repeatedly disregards court orders.”

The controversial broadcast falsely claimed Shafi had “violated Pakistani court orders for two years” while referencing her legal battle with singer Ali Zafar. NVTV has now retracted these statements.

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Meesha Shafi Response: A Victory for Truth

Meesha Shafi celebrated the win on social media, tweeting the apology and declaring, “Truth prevails.” This marks a significant moment in her seven-year legal war with Zafar, which began in 2018 when she accused him of sexual harassment Pakistan’s first high-profile #MeToo case.

Meesha Shafi Background: A Protracted Legal Battle

Zafar sued Shafi for ₨1 billion defamation after her allegations, while she countersued. Though her harassment case was dismissed on technical grounds in 2019, the Supreme Court agreed in 2021 to reconsider whether her claims fall under women’s protection laws. The core dispute remains unresolved.

Why This Matters

The NVTV verdict reinforces Meesha Shafi stance against defamatory media narratives. As her landmark case against Zafar continues, this win bolsters her credibility in a battle that has become symbolic of Pakistan’s #MeToo movement.

Do you think this verdict will impact her ongoing case? Share your thoughts below. ⚖️ #MeeshaShafi #DefamationWin