IHC Approves Early Hearing of PTI Founder’s Case Against Khawaja Asif

Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has approved the early hearing request filed by the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in his case against Defence Minister Khawaja Asif over allegations related to the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital.

Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar heard the miscellaneous application seeking an early hearing. Counsel for the petitioner, Omar Ziauddin Advocate, appeared before the court. The bench directed that the case be fixed in the second week after the winter vacations.

The matter pertains to the founder of PTI’s challenge to a sessions court verdict concerning statements made by Khawaja Asif. It may be recalled that Khawaja Asif, during a press conference, had alleged money laundering and misuse of funds collected for Shaukat Khanum Hospital.

In response, the PTI founder has maintained a defamation suit since 2012, seeking Rs10 billion in damages against Khawaja Asif.

The court adjourned further proceedings, directing that the main case be taken up after the conclusion of judicial holidays.