Court defers hearing in Maria B's legal case against Shehzad Ghias
Listen to article
A district and sessions court in Islamabad on Monday adjourned proceedings in a defamation case filed by designer Maria B against comedian Shehzad Ghias Sheikh.
The case was heard by Additional Sessions Judge Sheikh Muhammad Sohail.
Representing Maria B, Barrister Abdul Ahad Khokhar urged the court to restrain Shehzad from posting further tweets and videos, arguing that the ongoing content amounted to harmful propaganda while the case remains sub judice.
Read: Maria B weighs in on farshi shalwar fashion trend
'It is necessary to restrict him from social media commentary until the matter is resolved,' said Khokhar during the hearing.
Defence counsel Imaan Mazari along with Hadi Ali Chattha, appearing on behalf of Shehzad , informed the court that the power of attorney would be submitted at the next hearing.
The court directed both parties to submit their written replies and scheduled arguments on the stay application for the next session. The hearing was adjourned until July 14.
Later after the hearing, Shehzad posted a tweet reading simply with an emoji: '🤐' a zipped-mouth face.
Previously, Shehzad published a video on his YouTube channel stating that he had received a court summons for Monday's proceedings but had yet to receive formal details of the case or specific charges.
He said he suspected a First Information Report (FIR) may have been filed by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and subsequently forwarded to the court.
Shehzad explained that the legal action originated from a civil defamation notice issued by Maria B but had escalated to a criminal complaint through the FIA an approach he described as excessive and aimed at curbing dissent.
He maintained that his critical remarks were opinion-based and did not meet the legal threshold for defamation under Pakistani law.
Read more: Maria B responds to criticism from Aurat March Lahore organisers
He also said the case appeared to be linked to his past commentary and content discussing Maria B and broader issues concerning influencers, though he denied orchestrating any campaign of personal attacks.
Following his video, Maria B responded in a post on her Instagram account. The video compiled excerpts from Shehzad's podcast , where he interviewed transgender rights activist Shehzadi Rai.
In the clip, Shehzad refers to Maria B as a 'D-grade designer' and accuses her of using the suffering of transgender individuals to promote her brand. Rai adds that Maria B also exploited the issue of Palestine for commercial gain.
The video also features Shehzad stating that a mob should attend one of Maria B's fashion shows, disrupt the event, and declare western clothing as haram, even suggesting that her garments be burned.
Maria B vowed not to stay silent and confirmed that a civil notice had been issued and added that she would now pursue criminal defamation as well.
Also read: Maria B in hot water again as Turkish influencer Turkan Atay alleges unpaid brand deal
In late April 2025, Maria B faced a separate controversy involving a Turkish influencer. Content creator Türkan Atay accused the Maria B of failing to fulfil an agreed compensation arrangement following a promotional shoot in Istanbul.
In a social media video, Türkan said the brand had accepted a 'per outfit' pricing model that factored in videography, location, and editing. 'They even agreed to it. I have all the messages,' she said.
After the content was delivered, Türkan claimed the brand shifted its stance, offering payment on a 'per reel' basis instead. 'They told me, 'Oh, sorry. There's been a misunderstanding. We pay international influencers per reel,'' she recalled.
Maria B responded through an Instagram Story, calling the situation 'a regrettable misunderstanding' and denying any failure to pay. 'In our 25 years, we have neither withheld payment nor retracted from our commitments,' the statement read, citing a long-standing record of fair influencer collaborations.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
an hour ago
- Express Tribune
Bob Vylan defends Glastonbury chant after criticism from festival organizers, BBC, and political leaders
Bobby Vylan, one-half of the punk-rap duo Bob Vylan, has defended remarks made during the group's Glastonbury set, which drew widespread condemnation from festival organizers, the BBC, and political leaders. The backlash follows a chant led by Bobby during their 28 June performance, where he repeated 'Death to the IDF [Israel Defense Forces]' while onstage at the West Holts Stage. The BBC livestreamed the set but did not upload it to iPlayer afterward. Glastonbury organizers issued a statement shortly after, saying the chant 'very much crossed a line,' and emphasized that there is no place at the festival for 'antisemitism, hate speech or incitement to violence.' Police are currently reviewing footage from Bob Vylan's set, as well as that of Belfast group Kneecap, who also made politically charged statements during their performance. In an Instagram post shared Sunday, 29 June, Bobby Vylan acknowledged receiving an overwhelming response—both supportive and critical—since the performance. In a statement captioned 'I said what I said,' he reaffirmed his position and connected his onstage comments to broader calls for political reform, specifically in foreign policy. Bobby included a personal reflection, recounting a moment with his daughter as she gave feedback on her school meals. The experience, he said, reminded him of the importance of empowering young people to advocate for change. 'Let them see us marching… shouting about it on any and every stage,' he wrote, encouraging continued activism at all levels. The incident has sparked renewed debate over the boundaries of political expression on public stages and in live broadcasts. Labour leader Keir Starmer condemned the chant and urged the BBC to explain how it was aired during the live stream.
Express Tribune
6 hours ago
- Express Tribune
India must rethink its policies, says Ishaq Dar
FM Ishaq Dar in meeting to review ongoing evacuation of Pakistani nationals/zaireen presently stranded in Iran & Iraq on June 18. Photo: Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, has said that India must review its policies and cannot impose its will on Pakistan. Speaking at the Foundation Day ceremony of the Institute of Strategic Studies in Islamabad, Dar warned New Delhi against unilateral actions and reiterated Pakistan's commitment to regional peace and sovereignty. He strongly criticised India's use of 'false flag operations' to justify aggression against Pakistan, particularly citing the Pulwama incident, which he said was used by India to stage a fabricated narrative. 'India must revisit its strategic choices and end its policy of coercion,' Dar stated. Tensions between Pakistan and India escalated on April 22, when an attack in Pahalgam killed 26 people. India blamed Pakistan for the incident. Pakistan has categorically rejected Indian accusations. India then undertook a series of hostile actions the next day on April 23, suspending the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), cancelling visas for Pakistani citizens, closing the Wagah-Attari border crossing and ordering the shutdown of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, among others. Read: Pak IWT stance vindicated by arbitration court Both the countries subsequently reduced diplomatic staff at their respective embassies in the other's territory. Referring to water disputes, Dar asserted that India cannot unilaterally suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, accusing it of attempting to weaponise water against Pakistan. He reaffirmed Pakistan's resolve to safeguard its territorial integrity and uphold its sovereign rights. On the Kashmir issue, the DPM said the dispute is internationally recognised and its peaceful resolution is essential for regional stability. He accused India of openly violating international laws, while reiterating Pakistan's adherence to the principle of peaceful coexistence. Commenting on global affairs, Dar welcomed the ceasefire between Iran and Israel and reaffirmed Pakistan's longstanding support for Iran's legitimate stance. He called for dialogue-based resolution of Iran's nuclear issue and expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, condemning ongoing atrocities in the region. Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the Permanent Court of Arbitration's Supplemental Award on the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it a major vindication of Pakistan's stance. Read more: Bilawal condemns US attack on Iran, warns India over IWT breach The ruling confirmed that India cannot unilaterally suspend the treaty or its dispute resolution mechanisms. In a statement on Sunday, the PM said water is vital for Pakistan and praised Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and Attorney General Mansoor Awan for their legal efforts. The court stated that the Treaty remains binding unless terminated by mutual consent and does not allow one-sided suspension by either party. Earlier, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had said that Pakistan would consider war if India refused to honour the Indus Waters Treaty. 'India must choose between honouring the treaty or losing control of all six rivers,' Bilawal said, reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to protecting its share of water under the 1960 World Bank-brokered agreement. The comments followed an earlier statement made during a political rally in Sukkur, where Bilawal declared, 'Either the river will flow or their blood will.'
Business Recorder
10 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Forces eliminate two Indian-backed terrorists in Balochistan
RAWALPINDI: Two Indian-sponsored terrorists were killed and two others arrested in an operation by security forces in Balochistan, the military's media wing said on Sunday. The intelligence-based operation was conducted in Duki district after reports of the presence of terrorists affiliated with 'Fitna-e-Hindustan' (a terror proxy backed by India), according to Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR). ISPR stated that the hideout of the terrorists was effectively targeted. In the ensuing gun battle, two Indian-backed militants were killed, and two were taken into custody. Weapons, ammunition, and explosive materials were also recovered from the slain terrorists, who were reportedly involved in multiple terrorist activities. The military spokesperson affirmed that security forces remain committed to eradicating Indian-sponsored terrorism from the country, and vowed that such terrorists and their facilitators will be brought to justice. Yesterday, as many as 13 Pakistani soldiers embraced martyrdom in a suicide.
