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Designer Khadijah Shah to Relinquish US Citizenship for PTI National Assembly Seat
Designer Khadijah Shah announces she will relinquish her US citizenship to take a reserved National Assembly seat with PTI, following an offer from Imran Khan. Shah emphasizes her dedication to Pakistan and her desire to drive progress.
ND
by News Desk
2024-07-31
Designer Khadijah Shah to Relinquish US Citizenship for PTI National Assembly Seat

Designer Khadijah Shah has announced her decision to relinquish her US citizenship to accept a reserved National Assembly seat with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Shah’s announcement follows an offer from former Prime Minister Imran Khan, as Pakistani law prohibits dual nationals from serving in parliament.

 

In an Instagram post, Shah expressed the difficulty of her decision, highlighting the freedom and opportunities that US citizenship provided her. However, she emphasized her deep connection to Pakistan, her motherland, and her commitment to contributing to its progress. “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.

 

Shah’s decision comes amid her personal experiences of “unimaginable injustice” over the past year and a half. Despite these challenges, she has found renewed purpose and resolve. Shah acknowledged the honor of being considered for the reserved seat by Imran Khan and expressed her determination to live up to his expectations and those of her fellow citizens.

 

Until her dual nationality issue is resolved, Shah has nominated Mehrunnisa Sajjad to represent her. Sajjad, an Oxford University graduate and barrister, is noted for her advocacy for marginalized communities in Pakistan. Shah emphasized that Sajjad, chosen after careful consideration, embodies the values and aspirations Shah hopes for every Pakistani woman.

 

Shah, who leads the fashion brand Élan, was previously arrested in connection with the May 9 riots and faced charges of vandalism and rioting. She was released on bail in December 2023, and while an anti-terrorism court withdrew bailable warrants in April 2024, she remains under scrutiny for other related cases.

 

Shah’s decision underscores her dedication to Pakistani politics and her commitment to contributing to the nation’s development and democratic progress.

 
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Pakistan

PTI

ImranKhan

KhadijahShah
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