Punjab Home Department Grants Consular Access to Pakistani-Origin US Citizen Khadija Shah
In a significant development, the Punjab Home Department has granted consular access to Pakistani-origin US citizen Khadija Shah. This decision comes in the wake of her alleged involvement in an arson attack on Jinnah House on May 9.
As reported by media on Thursday, the Punjab Home Department took this step following instructions from the Ministry of Interior.
According to reliable sources, US officials are scheduled to meet Khadija Shah today (Thursday) at 11pm at Kot Lakhpat Jail. The meeting will take place in the presence of prison authorities as well as Special Branch officials, ensuring a secure and controlled environment.
Upon receiving the consular access request from US officials, the Ministry of Interior swiftly issued a no-objection certificate (NOC) and directed the additional chief secretary of the Punjab Home Department to facilitate the meeting.
Additionally, the Ministry of Interior has duly informed the Punjab IG Prisons and the superintendent of Kot Lakhpat Jail about the directions in this regard.
The United States State Department has been actively pursuing Khadija Shah's case, emphasizing the importance of consular access. During a weekly press briefing, Vedant Patel, the spokesperson for the US State Department, highlighted that as a US citizen, Khadija Shah is entitled to consular assistance.
He further stated, "She holds dual citizenship, and the US always stands alert to help the US citizen wherever he or she is arrested. We expect Pakistani authorities to respect all free, all fair trial guarantees owed to these detainees." The US government's commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of its citizens is commendable.
The arson attack on Jinnah House occurred on May 9, following the arrest of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party chairman in the £190m settlement case. It was a tumultuous time, and the supporters of PTI, including Khadija Shah, expressed their dissatisfaction through aggressive protests, resulting in the unfortunate incident of violence and property damage.
Khadija Shah has been an active and prominent supporter of the PTI. It is essential to acknowledge the role of political affiliations and sentiments in such incidents, while also stressing the need for a fair and unbiased investigation into the matter. Ensuring that the trial process adheres to the principles of justice and transparency is crucial for maintaining public trust in the legal system.
Consular access is a fundamental right for any foreign citizen who is detained or arrested in another country. It allows the diplomatic representatives of the detained individual's home country to visit and provide necessary assistance, including legal aid and support. The granting of consular access in Khadija Shah's case underscores the commitment of the Pakistani government to upholding international norms and obligations.
It is worth noting that consular access serves as a crucial mechanism to safeguard the rights and welfare of individuals in custody, regardless of the charges against them. By allowing US officials to meet Khadija Shah, Pakistan demonstrates its adherence to internationally recognized standards of human rights and diplomatic protocols.
Punjab Home Department's decision to grant consular access to Khadija Shah, a Pakistani-origin US citizen, is a significant step towards ensuring justice and upholding the principles of international law. This move reflects the commitment of the Pakistani government to safeguarding the rights and well-being of individuals involved in legal proceedings.
It is crucial for all parties involved to proceed with the investigation and subsequent trial with fairness, transparency, and adherence to due process.
