ashion designer, Khadija Shah, who has been the force behind successful fashion brands like Elan and Zaha, has renounced her American citizenship. This decision came after Imran Khan, Pakistan’s former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s founder, offered her a reserved National Assembly seat.

In a post on Instagram, expressing her views on why she is choosing to do so, Khadija Shah said, “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.”

She further stated, “I’ve witnessed and personally experienced unimaginable injustice over the last year and a half, but that adversity instilled in me a sense of purpose. I’m driven forward by the desire to make a difference for Pakistan.

“I’m honored that Chairman PTI and my lifelong hero, Imran Khan, considered me worthy of representing his party and being part of his vision for Pakistan. I accepted his offer to take the reserved seat and hope to live up to his expectations and those of my fellow citizens.”

According to Khadija Shah, until her dual nationality remains unresolved, she has nominated Mehrunnisa Sajjad to represent her.

Giving background to Mehrunnisa Sajjad, she wrote in the same Instagram post, “Mehrunnisa is neither a family member nor a friend, but I chose her after careful consideration because she embodies what I hope every Pakistani woman can have the opportunity to become. She’s an Oxford University graduate who held the prestigious Vice President position of the Oxford Union, a barrister at law, and has dedicated her career to advocating for the marginalized and downtrodden in Pakistan, often pro bono.

Like me, Mehrunnisa 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. We are committed to working together to make a meaningful impact for our country and party. Insha’Allah.”

How does this relate to Khadija Shah? She was arrested for allegedly being involved in the May 9, 2023 riots but was eventually released after months of imprisonment.