Pakistani filmmaker Jami sentenced to two years in jail in defamation case filed by director Sohail Javed
Karachi | July 9, 2025
Prominent Pakistani filmmaker Jamshed Mahmood Raza, widely known as Jami, has been sentenced to two years in prison with hard labor by a Karachi court after being found guilty in a criminal defamation case filed by fellow director Muhammad Sohail Javed. The court also imposed a fine of Rs. 10,000, with an additional one-month jail term if the fine is not paid.
Jami, known for his bold storytelling and acclaimed films such as “Moor,” “O21,” and “Downward Dog,” was taken into custody directly from the courtroom after the judgment was announced on Tuesday, according to a close colleague who confirmed the arrest to the BBC.
What’s the case
The legal battle stems from a Facebook post dated February 15, 2019, which Jami shared on his page ‘Jami More.’ In the post, he spoke of an alleged rape incident involving a director known for working in TV commercials and music videos, without naming anyone. However, Sohail Javed later filed a defamation suit, claiming the post led many to wrongly associate him with the accusation. He said he became the target of public outrage, ridicule, and character assassination as a result.
The court observed that Jami failed to clarify the misunderstanding and instead shared a screenshot later that explicitly displayed Sohail Javed’s name. According to the court, this act deliberately incited online harassment and further damaged Javed’s reputation.
Public Reaction
The ruling has reignited debates over freedom of speech, online accountability, and digital defamation laws in Pakistan. While some see the decision as a necessary check on social media misuse, others argue it could set a dangerous precedent that may silence survivors or whistleblowers who speak out against abuse.
Social media users, legal analysts, and media personalities are weighing in — some defending Jami as a filmmaker who has consistently challenged powerful institutions, while others underscore the need for responsible expression, especially when reputations and livelihoods are at stake.
About Jami
Jami is widely respected in Pakistan’s independent film circuit. His 2015 film “Moor” was Pakistan’s official submission for the Academy Awards and received international acclaim. His directorial credits also include “O21,” Pakistan’s first spy thriller, and “Downward Dog,” a satire that questioned elite narratives and censorship. He is also a well-known critic of institutional power, particularly the military and media conglomerates.
