Court to start proceedings against Hamza Shahbaz

A civil judge on Monday decided to start proceedings on a petition against the second marriage of Hamza Shahbaz, son of Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, after his he failed to appear before the court, despite an announcement in a newspaper for the purpose. Civil Judge Ghulam Murtaza Opal passed the order on a petition filed by Ayesha Ahad, who claims to be the wife of Hamza Shahbaz. During the course of the proceedings, the petitioner’s counsel informed the court that neither Hamza Shahbaz and Dr Rabia nor their counsels had appeared before the court and he asked the court to start ex-parte proceedings. The court, upon hearing the arguments, decided to hold ex-parte proceedings and adjourned the matter till October 9. The petitioner, in her petition, alleged that Hamza Shahbaz was planning to contract another marriage with Dr Rabia. She pleaded before the court to take action against Hamza because he had not asked for her permission before marrying again.