Pakistani American fashion designer Khadijah Shah announced on Tuesday that she has accepted a reserved parliamentary seat offered by former Prime Minister Imran Khan and will be relinquishing her U.S. citizenship. This decision is due to Pakistan’s requirement that members of parliament cannot hold dual nationality.
Shah, who faced charges of rioting and vandalism in May 2023 and spent months in jail under difficult conditions, was released on bail in December 2023. In her recent Instagram post, Shah shared her reasons for accepting Khan’s offer and for nominating another woman to fill her seat temporarily.
She wrote, “Relinquishing my U.S. citizenship, which guarantees freedom and opportunity, was a tough decision. However, Pakistan is my home and where I have built my life. I cannot abandon it or my people.”
Shah reflected on her experiences of injustice over the past year and a half, which she said fueled her resolve to contribute positively to Pakistan. She expressed gratitude for Khan’s offer and a commitment to represent his party and vision for Pakistan.
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To address the issue of dual nationality, Shah has nominated Mehrunnisa Sajjad to temporarily take her place. Sajjad, an Oxford University graduate and barrister, is recognized for her advocacy for marginalized groups in Pakistan. Shah praised Sajjad’s dedication to democracy and progress, stating that Sajjad embodies the values she hopes to promote in Pakistan.
Shah concluded her post by expressing confidence in Sajjad’s ability to make a meaningful impact and reaffirming her commitment to work towards positive change in Pakistan.
