Pakistani actress Saba Qamar has issued a legal defamation notice to journalist Naeem Hanif, accusing him of spreading false and damaging statements about her personal life. The move comes days after the journalist made controversial remarks about the actor in a recent video — claims Saba has called “completely baseless.”
What Sparked the Legal Action
The controversy began after Naeem Hanif alleged that around 2003–2004, Saba Qamar was living in Lahore’s Walton area in a house provided by a man she was supposedly in a relationship with.
He further claimed that the man later harassed her and that she approached a news outlet to complain — an account Saba Qamar has categorically denied.
Responding through her Instagram Story, the Kamli star wrote:
“Spreading false allegations about someone is a serious offence. I have never lived in Walton, nor have I ever done what has been claimed. Enough is enough — see you in court.”
The Defamation Notice
Saba Qamar’s legal team confirmed that a defamation notice has been served to Naeem Hanif for his “false, defamatory, and damaging statements.”
According to reports, the actress is seeking PKR 100 million (approximately USD 360,000) in damages and has demanded a public apology and removal of the defamatory content within a stipulated time frame.
If Hanif fails to comply, Saba’s team says they will proceed with formal legal action in court under Pakistan’s Defamation Ordinance.
Saba’s Stand — ‘My Silence Isn’t Weakness’
In a later post, Saba Qamar clarified why she chose to take legal action this time, writing:
“My silence should never be mistaken for weakness. I have worked too hard to build my name, and I will not allow anyone to tarnish my reputation with lies.”
The actress has received widespread support from fans and fellow celebrities who praised her for standing up against “character assassination disguised as journalism.”
Public and Industry Reaction
After Saba’s announcement, the incident quickly went viral.
Celebrities including actors, anchors, and public figures echoed her sentiments, calling for responsible journalism and stricter laws to curb false reporting.
Fans flooded social media with messages of solidarity, with hashtags like #ISupportSabaQamar and #StopDefamation trending across X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
Why This Case Matters
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For Saba Qamar: It’s a rare but decisive step from a top-tier celebrity to hold media figures accountable for unverified claims.
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For Pakistani media: It raises questions about the ethical limits of commentary on public figures’ private lives.
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For the public: It highlights how reputations can be harmed in minutes online — and why accountability matters just as much as free speech.
With this legal notice, Saba Qamar has made one thing clear — she’s not just defending her name; she’s drawing a line for how far the media can go.
As she said in her closing statement:
“There’s a difference between journalism and defamation. Learn it.”
