Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) activist Khadijah Shah has made a momentous decision to relinquish her United States citizenship in order to accept the party’s nomination for reserved seats in the National Assembly. This move, announced through an Instagram post on Tuesday, signifies her deep commitment to her motherland amidst her ongoing legal battles and personal challenges.
“Making the decision to relinquish my US citizenship, which guarantees freedom, safety, and opportunity, was not easy,” Shah expressed in her post. “However, Pakistan is my motherland, the place I call home, and the country where I’ve built my life. I cannot give up on it and my people.”
Shah, a renowned fashion designer, has faced significant legal troubles over her alleged involvement in the May 9 riots. These riots were triggered by the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan in a graft case and saw military installations, including the General Headquarters (GHQ) and the Lahore Corps Commander’s House, vandalized by angry mobs. Shah surrendered herself to the Punjab police in Lahore on May 23 last year and spent several months behind bars before securing bail from an anti-terrorism court in Quetta in January 2024.
Despite these challenges, Shah’s loyalty to her country and her party has remained unwavering. She expressed her honor and gratitude for being nominated by Imran Khan for the reserved seats, stating that she accepted the nomination with the hope of living up to his expectations and those of her fellow citizens.
This development comes on the heels of a Supreme Court ruling on July 12, which declared that the PTI was eligible for the allocation of reserved seats for women and minorities. This ruling paves the way for the party’s return to parliament, following their expulsion from the February 8 polls due to the electoral body’s December 2023 decision.
The judgment is set to change the composition of the National Assembly, increasing pressure on the coalition alliance. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has already notified 93 lawmakers from three provincial legislatures as PTI members, including 29 from Punjab, 58 from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and six from Sindh.
Shah’s journey has been fraught with personal and professional challenges. Reflecting on her experiences, she lamented the “unimaginable injustice” she has faced, but also acknowledged that these adversities have given her a renewed sense of purpose. “I’m driven forward by the desire to make a difference for Pakistan,” she stated in her Instagram post.
To navigate the issue of her dual nationality, Shah has chosen Mehrunnisa Sajjad, a barrister and Oxford University graduate, to represent her. Shah emphasized that Sajjad is neither a family member nor a friend but was selected after careful consideration. “She embodies what I hope every Pakistani woman can have the opportunity to become,” Shah explained.
Mehrunnisa Sajjad, who has held the prestigious position of Vice President of the Oxford Union, is known for her advocacy for marginalized and downtrodden communities in Pakistan. She is passionate about fighting for their rights, establishing genuine democracy, and driving progress in the country. Shah expressed her pride in nominating such an exceptional young woman to represent both her and the PTI in parliament.
Shah’s decision to relinquish her US citizenship is a testament to her dedication to her country and her belief in the PTI’s vision. It also highlights the sacrifices that many Pakistani expatriates are willing to make for the sake of their homeland. As Shah steps into this new role, she brings with her a wealth of experience, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to justice and progress.
In her closing remarks, Shah called on the younger generation of Pakistanis, particularly women, to take an active role in politics. “This is our country. We belong here,” she asserted, encouraging them to become part of the system and work towards finding solutions to the nation’s challenges.
Khadijah Shah’s journey from a fashion designer to a political activist and now a parliamentary nominee reflects her unwavering dedication to her country and her people. Her story serves as an inspiration to many, underscoring the importance of resilience, commitment, and the pursuit of justice in the face of adversity. As she prepares to take on this new role, Shah’s contributions to Pakistan’s political landscape will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact.
