The Islamabad High Court on Friday approved a request for early hearing filed by the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf against a sessions court verdict related to allegations made by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif concerning Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital.
Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar heard the miscellaneous application seeking an early hearing. Counsel for the petitioner, Umar Ziauddin Advocate, appeared before the court. The chief justice directed that the case be fixed for hearing in the second week after the winter court vacations.
The case stems from statements made by Khawaja Asif during a press conference in which he alleged money laundering and misuse of funds collected for Shaukat Khanum Hospital.
In response, the PTI founder had filed a defamation suit in 2012, seeking damages of Rs10 billion against Khawaja Asif over the allegations.
After issuing directions regarding the schedule, the Islamabad High Court adjourned the hearing of the main petition until after the judicial holidays.
