Khadija Shah gets consular access in May 9 case. Khadija Shah, a US citizen of Pakistani descent who was allegedly implicated in an arson attack on Jinnah House on May 9, has been granted consular access by the Punjab Home Department.
The Punjab Home Department made the choice after receiving guidance from the Ministry of Interior. According to reports, US representatives will meet with Khadija Shah tonight (Thursday) at 11 p.m. in Kot Lakhpat Jail, in front of guards from the facility and the Special Branch.
As Khadija Shah gets consular access in the May 9 case, the Ministry of Interior issued a no-objection certificate (NOC) and directed the additional chief secretary of the Punjab Home Department to provide Shah consular access after receiving the request for access from US officials.
The superintendent of Kot Lakhpat Jail and the Punjab IG Prisons have both received notice of these instructions from the Ministry of Interior. Vedant Patel, a representative for the US State Department, said during a weekly press conference that Washington was closely monitoring Shah’s situation and has asked Pakistan to permit consular access.
“Our citizen holds dual citizenship, and the US is always prepared to assist its citizens wherever they are detained,” emphasized the spokesperson from the US State Department, further adding, “We expect Pakistani authorities to uphold all guarantees of a free and fair trial for these detainees.”
Following the arrest of the party chairman in the £190 million settlement case, PTI party supporters rushed to the military base on May 9 and set it on fire. Shah claims to be a well-known PTI supporter.
Also read: Who is Khadija Shah? The woman behind Jinnah House attack ‘ready to surrender’
Khadija Shah, a fashion designer by profession, is the granddaughter of the late Chief of Army Staff Gen (r) Asif Nawaz Janjua. She is the daughter of former Finance advisor Dr Salman Shah.
She is the Creative Director and founder of Elan, a leading luxury brand in Pakistan. Shah also owns a brand — Zaha — that focuses to provide unique, unparalleled, and affordable fashion to women.
