'I want to contest next election,' says incarcerated Khadija Shah in court

Political activist and fashion designer Khadija Shah, currently incarcerated in Kot Lakhpat jail, has expressed her wish to participate in the upcoming general elections.

During the anti-terrorism court hearing on the Askari Tower attack case via video-link, Khadija Shah told the judge, “I want to contest the next election, but the government has challenged my bail."

With the exception of Ejaz Chaudhary, who appeared in court, Yasmin Rashid, Sarfaraz Cheema, and 40 other PTI workers participated in the hearing via video link, as the police did not present them in person.

Shah informed the court about the lack of access to her lawyer, stating, "I need to see my lawyer to sign a power of attorney."

Judge Abher Gul Khan guaranteed her access to a lawyer while she is incarcerated.

Dr Yasmin requested the judge that an order be issued to the police requiring them to present her in the court. 

Journalist Cyril Almeida on ‘X’ weighed in on Khadija Shah’s desire to contest upcoming elections.

“What if Khadijah contests against Nawaz in Lahore…” his post read.

Khadija Shah, the granddaughter of former army chief Asif Nawaz Janjua, became a subject of law enforcement scrutiny amid the search for alleged suspects connected to the May 9 riots. These disturbances were incited by the arrest of Imran Khan by NAB during his court appearance.

The Gulberg police filed a case against PTI leaders and workers, accusing them of attacking and setting fire to Askari Tower at Liberty Roundabout.

Khadija Shah faced arrest in connection with incidents involving attacks on the Lahore Corps Commander's house, Askari Tower and the burning of police vehicles near Rahat Bakery in the cantonment area.

On November 15, an anti-terrorism court approved her bail in the final case related to the May 9 riots. 

Additionally, The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had apprehended her in a cybercrime case for disseminating social media messages inciting people against the army during the May 9 violence. 

A sessions court granted her bail in this case.

Currently, she is in preventive detention as per an order issued by the Deputy Commissioner under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO).