In a significant development, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) activist Khadijah Shah has announced her decision to relinquish her United States citizenship to accept a nomination for reserved seats in the Pakistani parliament. Shah, a fashion designer and prominent PTI supporter, shared her decision through an Instagram post on Tuesday, expressing the difficulty of her choice but affirming her commitment to Pakistan.
“Making the decision to relinquish my US citizenship, which guarantees freedom, safety, and opportunity, was not easy. 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 stated. Her announcement reflects a profound personal and political commitment to Pakistan, driven by her dedication to the PTI and her desire to contribute to her country’s future.
Shah’s decision comes amid her ongoing involvement in various legal issues linked to the May 9 riots, which erupted following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan in a graft case. The riots saw significant unrest, including the vandalization of military installations like the General Headquarters (GHQ) and the Lahore Corps Commander’s House. Shah’s legal entanglements have cast a spotlight on her, adding complexity to her political ambitions.
Despite these challenges, Shah expressed her honor at being nominated for reserved seats by Khan himself, a gesture she described as both a privilege and a responsibility. She pledged to meet the expectations of Khan and her fellow citizens with dedication and resolve. This nomination is part of a broader shift following a recent Supreme Court ruling on July 12, which allowed PTI to claim reserved seats for women and minorities, thus reinstating the party’s presence in the parliament after being ousted from the February 8 elections due to a ruling by the electoral body in December 2023.
This ruling has significant implications for the National Assembly, as it will alter the composition of the legislature and increase pressure on the existing coalition government. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has already recognized 93 PTI lawmakers from various provincial legislatures, with 29 members from Punjab, 58 from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and six from Sindh.
In her Instagram post, Shah reflected on her personal experiences of “unimaginable injustice,” framing these adversities as a source of motivation rather than discouragement. She expressed a renewed sense of purpose, driven by her desire to effect positive change in Pakistan. “I’m driven forward by the desire to make a difference for Pakistan,” Shah wrote, underscoring her commitment to her country and its democratic processes.
As part of her preparations for assuming her new role, Shah has appointed Mehrunnisa Sajjad as her representative until her dual nationality issue is resolved. Sajjad, a barrister and Oxford University graduate, was chosen by Shah for her exemplary qualifications and commitment to social justice. Shah highlighted that Sajjad, though neither a family member nor a close friend, was selected after careful consideration. Sajjad’s distinguished background includes serving as the Vice President of the Oxford Union and her advocacy for marginalized communities in Pakistan.
“Mehrunnisa — who has also held the prestigious Vice President position of the Oxford Union and advocates for the marginalized and downtrodden in Pakistan — is passionate about fighting for the rights of the marginalized, establishing genuine democracy, and driving progress in Pakistan. I’m proud to have nominated such an exceptional young Pakistani woman to represent PTI and myself in parliament,” Shah stated. This decision reflects Shah’s confidence in Sajjad’s ability to advance PTI’s agenda and represent her values effectively in parliament.
Shah’s choice to relinquish her US citizenship and her appointment of Sajjad as a representative highlight her dedication to Pakistani politics and her commitment to supporting capable individuals who can contribute meaningfully to the country’s democratic processes. As Shah prepares for her new role, the PTI and its supporters will be watching closely to see how these developments unfold and what impact they will have on Pakistan’s political landscape.
