Khadijah Shah, a PTI activist, has announced her decision to renounce her U.S. citizenship upon accepting the party’s nomination for reserved seats in parliament. In an Instagram post on Tuesday, Shah expressed that relinquishing her U.S. citizenship—associated with freedom, safety, and opportunity—was a difficult choice. However, she emphasized her deep connection to Pakistan, her homeland, where she has built her life and is committed to serving her people.
Shah, a fashion designer, has faced legal challenges related to her alleged involvement in the May 9 riots that erupted following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan in a corruption case. The riots led to the vandalism of military installations, including the General Headquarters (GHQ) and the Lahore Corps Commander’s House.
After surrendering to the Punjab police in Lahore on May 23 last year, Shah spent several months in detention before securing bail from an anti-terrorism court in Quetta in January 2024.
In her social media announcement, Shah conveyed her honor at being nominated by Imran Khan for the reserved seats and expressed her commitment to meeting his and the citizens’ expectations. This development follows a Supreme Court ruling on July 12 that deemed PTI eligible for reserved seats for women and minorities, allowing the party to return to parliament after being removed from the February 8 polls due to a December 2023 electoral body ruling.
The ruling has intensified pressure on the coalition alliance by altering the National Assembly’s composition. 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.
Reflecting on her personal struggles, Shah described her experiences of “unimaginable injustice” as a source of renewed purpose. Her Instagram post noted that her commitment to making a difference for Pakistan has grown stronger.
With her dual nationality issue resolved, Shah has appointed Mehrunnisa Sajjad—a barrister and Oxford University graduate—to represent her. Although Sajjad is neither a family member nor a friend, Shah chose her based on Sajjad’s notable achievements, including her role as Vice President of the Oxford Union and her advocacy for marginalized communities in Pakistan. Shah expressed pride in nominating Sajjad, hoping she will embody the progress and democratic values Shah envisions for Pakistan.
