Meesha Shafi alleges sexual harassment charges upon Ali Zafar

Lahore : Singer, model and actress Meesha Shafi in a tweet has alleged that singer and actor Ali Zafar subjected her to sexual harassment more than one occasion.

The media broadcast the scandalous story as a breaking news in prime bulletin.

I speak up because my conscience does not allow me to be silent anymore,” said Meesha in her statement.

Ali Zafar started out on Pakistani TV before becoming a popular musician. He then also established a career in Hindi cinema and his success led many Pakistani actors to venture into Hindi films.

“If this can happen to someone like me, an established artist, then it can happen to any young woman hoping to break into the industry and that concerns me gravely.”

“I have been subjected, on more than one occasion, to sexual harassment of a physical nature 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 despite the fact that I am an empowered, accomplished woman who is known for speaking her mind! This happened to me as a mother of two children.”

She has received five Lux Style Awards and a Filmfare Award nomination.“

Ali Zafar married his long-time fiancée Ayesha Fazli, who is a distant relative of Indian actor Aamir Khan, on 28 July 2009 in Lahore, Pakistan, Ali is a father to two children himself and the allegations may prove to be detrimental to his professional and personal life.

Ali Zafar has dismissed allegations and announced to sue Meesha in the court.

The allegations come as a shock and has put the megastars, Meesha and Ali under the limelight in what seems to be spiraling out as a huge mess with far reaching repercussions and consequences.

Meesha Shafi’s mother, actress Saba Hamid, who supports her daughter’s decision to speak publicly.

“I am totally behind my daughter and I support her,” says Hamid. “I’m hurt and angry and I feel very strongly about this. That this can happen with someone like Meesha who is so empowered is a rude awakening.”

“Previously, women weren’t even allowed to speak up about things like this. This has to stop. We need to tell our men this is not ok. No matter how minor or major harassment is, it leaves a scar. To heal this wound one has to talk about it,” she continues.