The Lahore High Court (LHC) has initiated legal action by issuing a notice to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in response to a petition filed by Khadija Shah, a prominent activist associated with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and a fashion designer. Shah’s petition challenges an ongoing investigation related to purported money laundering charges.
Justice Ali Baqar Najafi, presiding over the case, has requested a response from the Director-General of FIA by December 22. Moreover, the court has explicitly instructed the agency to refrain from subjecting the petitioner’s family to any form of harassment.
During the court proceedings, Advocate Sameer Khosa, representing Khadija Shah, argued that the FIA’s investigation lacked legal merit and was initiated against Shah with malicious intent. Khosa urged the court to nullify the inquiry based on these grounds.
Notably, while Khadija Shah has been granted bail in all cases associated with the May 9 riots in Lahore, the Quetta police secured her custody from a Lahore court for further inquiry into a distinct case linked to the same riots.
Read more:PTI Supporter Khadijah Shah Apprehended in Murder Inquiry by Quetta Police
In another development, Justice Shehram Sarwar Chaudhry of the Lahore High Court recused himself from a petition presented by former governor Mian Azhar. Azhar sought information regarding any cases involving his son, Hammad Azhar, a former federal minister. Citing personal reasons, Justice Chaudhry referred the case to the chief justice for reassignment to a different bench.
Mian Azhar alleged harassment and humiliation by authorities, alleging a deliberate hindrance to their electoral campaign despite the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) announcement of the poll schedule. Azhar highlighted undisclosed cases against his son and accused law enforcement agencies of conducting disruptive raids, causing distress to his family.
Simultaneously, Justice Ali Baqar Najafi has also called for responses from the Punjab police and the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) in a separate petition filed by PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub Khan. Khan seeks details of cases filed against him and has voiced grievances about alleged harassment by police and government agencies. Stressing the necessity for transparency, especially concerning cases that candidates must declare in nomination papers for the forthcoming general elections, the respondents have been summoned to provide replies by December 22.
