The Case Stems from a 2019 Facebook Post

The controversy dates back to 2019, when Jami read a letter during a public event at Lahooti Melo. The letter referred to a sexual assault incident and indirectly pointed toward a music video and commercial director. Jami later posted the letter on his Facebook page on February 15, 2019.

Although no names were directly mentioned, many online users identified Sohail Javed as the accused based on details provided. The situation escalated when Jami did not clarify or deny the speculations in public.

Court Rules in Favor of Sohail Javed

Sohail Javed argued that the post damaged his reputation irreparably, stating:

> “The references in the letter were obvious, and thousands saw it at the event and on YouTube. People began naming me in comments, and Jami did nothing to stop the rumors.”

Javed said he even sent a legal notice demanding a public apology and the removal of the post, but Jami ignored it.

Jami’s Defense Rejected by the Court

Jami claimed he did not write the letter himself but received it from the Lahooti event organizers. He further stated that Facebook users mentioned Javed’s name, not him, and he later deleted the post and deactivated his account.

However, the court rejected this defense, ruling that:

> “The letter contained identifiable personal details which indirectly pointed to the plaintiff. Jami failed to prevent or correct the public misunderstanding and even shared screenshots reinforcing the allegations.”

Due to lack of evidence supporting Jami’s claims and his failure to limit the harm, the court convicted him under Section 500 of the Pakistan Penal Code (Defamation).

Immediate Arrest Ordered

Following the verdict, the court ordered that Jami be taken into custody immediately and sent to jail to serve his two-year sentence along with a fine of PKR 10,000.

This case has triggered fresh debate around freedom of expression, social media accountability, and the limits of p

ublic accusations in the age of viral content.

“I Didn’t Delete the Post” – Naseeruddin Shah Responds

After sharp online criticism, Shah clarified on Facebook that he did not delete his post supporting Diljit. “I don’t care about reactions,” he stated firmly.

In his original post, Shah had expressed strong support for Diljit, writing:

> “I stand firmly with Diljit. The usual crowd was waiting to pounce on him with their toxic narrative. Diljit is not responsible for casting — the director is.”

Diljit Dosanjh has been facing widespread backlash from certain Indian circles for sharing screen space with Hania Aamir, a Pakistani actress, in the upcoming film Sardar Ji 3. The film released globally on June 27, excluding India.

Despite the missing post, Shah’s words continue to echo, especially his critique of those pushing anti-Pakistan sentiments:

> “They want complete disconnection between Indians and Pakistanis. But I have relatives and friends in Pakistan, and no one can stop me from loving them.”

Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit Fires Back In response, filmmaker Ashoke Pandit slammed Shah, stating:

> “His comments calling us ‘gangs’ and ‘usual parties’ are disappointing. A seasoned actor should speak more responsibly.”

Pandit also pointed out that Diljit, as an actor, had a choice to reject working with a Pakistani co-star but chose not to.

While the post may no longer be visible, Naseeruddin Shah’s stance remains clear. He stands by Diljit, promotes artistic freedom, and rejects the growing cultural divide.

In his follow-up post, Shah quoted German philosopher Georg Christoph Lichtenberg:

> “To carry a torch of truth through a crowd without setting someone’s beard on fire is almost impossible.”