Khadijah Shah, an activist with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has made a monumental decision to relinquish her United States citizenship. Announcing her acceptance of the party’s nomination for reserved seats, Shah expressed her deep emotional connection to Pakistan and her unwavering commitment to her homeland.
“Giving up my US citizenship, which offers freedom, safety, and countless opportunities, was not an easy decision. 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 wrote in an Instagram post on Tuesday.
A fashion designer by profession, Shah has been embroiled in several legal battles due to her alleged involvement in the riots on May 9, sparked by the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan on corruption charges. The riots led to the vandalism of significant military installations, including the General Headquarters (GHQ) and the Lahore Corps Commander’s House.
Shah surrendered to the Punjab police in Lahore on May 23, 2023, and spent months in detention before securing bail from an anti-terrorism court in Quetta in January 2024.
In her social media post, Shah expressed her gratitude for being nominated by Imran Khan for the reserved seats, saying she hopes to meet his and the public’s expectations.
A Turn in Political Fortunes
The Supreme Court’s recent ruling on July 12, which deemed PTI eligible for the allocation of reserved seats for women and minorities, has paved the way for the party’s return to parliament. PTI had been excluded from the February 8 elections following an electoral body ruling in December 2023. This decision has increased pressure on the coalition alliance as it will alter the composition of the National Assembly.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has already notified 93 lawmakers from three provincial legislatures as PTI members: 29 from Punjab, 58 from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and six from Sindh.
Embracing New Representation
Shah, who has faced significant personal adversity, noted that her experiences have only strengthened her resolve to make a positive impact in Pakistan. “I’m driven forward by the desire to make a difference for Pakistan,” she stated.
However, due to the unresolved issue of her dual nationality, Shah announced that Mehrunnisa Sajjad, a barrister and Oxford University graduate, will represent her. Shah emphasized that Sajjad is neither a family member nor a friend but was chosen after careful consideration.
“Mehrunnisa, who has also held the prestigious position of Vice President of the Oxford Union and advocates for the marginalized and downtrodden in Pakistan, is passionate about fighting for their rights, establishing genuine democracy, and driving progress in our country. I’m proud to have nominated such an exceptional young Pakistani woman to represent PTI and myself in parliament,” Shah said.
Looking Forward
As Shah steps into this new chapter of her political journey, her commitment to Pakistan and its people remains unwavering. Her decision to renounce US citizenship underscores her dedication to her homeland and her desire to contribute to its future. With Mehrunnisa Sajjad as her representative, Shah hopes to inspire and empower other Pakistani women to pursue their dreams and make a difference.