Court Delays Hearing in Maria B vs Shehzad Ghias Case

An Islamabad district and sessions court on Monday adjourned proceedings in the defamation case that designer Maria B filed against comedian Shehzad Ghias Sheikh.

Additional Sessions Judge Sheikh Muhammad Sohail presided over the hearing. Representing Maria B, Barrister Abdul Ahad Khokhar urged the court to restrain Shehzad from posting further tweets and videos, calling his content “harmful propaganda” while the matter remains under judicial consideration. “It is necessary to restrict him from social media commentary until the case is resolved,” Khokhar said.

On Shehzad’s behalf, defence counsel Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha informed the court that they would submit the power of attorney at the next hearing. The judge directed both parties to submit their written responses and scheduled arguments on the stay application for the next hearing on July 14.

Shortly after the session, Shehzad tweeted a zipped-mouth emoji (?), hinting at the court proceedings. He had earlier posted a YouTube video stating he received a court summons but had not been formally informed of the charges. He suspected the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) might have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against him, turning Maria B’s original civil defamation notice into a criminal complaint.

Shehzad maintained that his content was based on opinion and did not meet the legal bar for defamation. He added that his commentary critiqued Maria B and influencer culture, but he denied targeting her with personal attacks.

In response, Maria B posted a video on Instagram compiling excerpts from Shehzad’s podcast interview with trans rights activist Shehzadi Rai. In the clip, Shehzad called Maria B a “D-grade designer” and accused her of exploiting transgender issues and the Palestinian cause for brand promotion. He also suggested staging a protest at her fashion show, calling for her clothes to be declared haram and burned. Maria B vowed to pursue both civil and criminal defamation cases.

Meanwhile, Maria B is also embroiled in a separate controversy with Turkish influencer Türkan Atay, who accused the brand of not honouring a payment agreement for a promotional campaign in Istanbul. Türkan said Maria B’s team initially agreed to pay per outfit but later insisted on a per-reel payment. Maria B denied any wrongdoing, calling the dispute “a regrettable misunderstanding” and citing her brand’s 25-year track record of fair dealings.

Also Read: Maria B Breaks Silence After Turkish Influencer’s Non-Payment Allegations