Summary
- LAHORE: A significant development has emerged in the money laundering inquiry involving renowned fashion designer and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) activist Khadija Shah, as the Lahore High Court (LHC) has scheduled her long-pending petition for hearing on November 16, 2026.
- Khadija Shah, daughter of former Finance Minister Dr Salman Shah, approached the court on December 18, 2023, challenging the legality of the FIA investigation.
- In December 2023, the Lahore High Court had restrained the FIA from taking action against Khadija Shah in connection with the challenged proceedings.
LAHORE: A significant development has emerged in the money laundering inquiry involving renowned fashion designer and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) activist Khadija Shah, as the Lahore High Court (LHC) has scheduled her long-pending petition for hearing on November 16, 2026.
The petition, which challenges the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) money laundering inquiry against her, was filed nearly three years ago. According to the latest cause list issued by the Lahore High Court, Justice Khalid Ibn Aziz will take up the matter.
Khadija Shah, daughter of former Finance Minister Dr Salman Shah, approached the court on December 18, 2023, challenging the legality of the FIA investigation. The federal government, the FIA and other relevant authorities have been named as respondents in the petition.
Background of the FIA Inquiry
The FIA initiated an investigation after receiving information regarding allegedly suspicious financial transactions in bank accounts associated with Khadija Shah. Subsequently, the agency launched a money laundering inquiry, prompting the fashion designer to challenge the proceedings before the Lahore High Court.
In her petition, Shah maintained that the investigation had been initiated without a formal complaint and was essentially a suo motu inquiry rather than an investigation arising from a registered First Information Report (FIR).
She further argued that the FIA had failed to establish a lawful basis for initiating the proceedings and alleged that the inquiry was politically motivated and intended to pressure her because of her association with PTI.
The petitioner also contended that the mandatory legal requirements under the Anti-Money Laundering Act had not been fulfilled before launching the investigation.
In December 2023, the Lahore High Court had restrained the FIA from taking action against Khadija Shah in connection with the challenged proceedings.
Khadija Shah’s Political and Legal Background
Khadija Shah is a prominent fashion designer and founder of the well-known Elan fashion brand. She is the daughter of former finance minister Dr Salman Shah, who served during General Pervez Musharraf’s government, and the granddaughter of former Army Chief General Asif Nawaz Janjua.
She became associated with PTI activism during 2023 and was arrested in May of the same year in connection with cases registered following the May 9 riots, including the Jinnah House attack case. She remained incarcerated at Kot Lakhpat Jail for several months before being released. She has also faced multiple legal proceedings related to the May 9 incidents.
Political Developments Surrounding the Hearing
The November 16 hearing comes amid several developments involving PTI leadership and its supporters. Imran Khan’s sisters, Dr Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi, were released on November 12 after spending 53 days in detention.
Meanwhile, Dr Yasmin Rashid’s petition seeking her transfer to a hospital was filed on November 14, with allegations of non-compliance with a previous court order. Hearings involving Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Dr Yasmin Rashid were also adjourned until November 18 because the relevant records were not produced.
Political discussions surrounding electoral reforms, the formation of new provinces and recent activities of senior PTI-associated political figures have also remained in focus.
What to Expect on November 16
During the upcoming hearing, the FIA is expected to explain the source of the complaint and provide its position regarding the legal basis of the inquiry. Khadija Shah’s counsel is likely to challenge the proceedings on the grounds that they were initiated without a formal complainant and without fulfilling the required legal procedure.
The court may decide whether to continue the existing protective order, modify its earlier directions or allow the FIA to proceed in accordance with the law. The federal government’s response is also awaited.
The outcome could have implications for other pending FIA inquiries involving PTI leaders.
Key Dates:
– December 18, 2023: Khadija Shah filed her petition.
– December 2023: LHC restrained the FIA from taking action.
– November 16, 2026: Petition scheduled before Justice Khalid Ibn Aziz.
