Khadija Shah, a Pakistani-origin US citizen accused of participating in an arson attack on Jinnah House on May 9, has been granted consular access by the Punjab Home Department in Pakistan.
The decision came in response to directives from the Ministry of Interior. US officials are scheduled to meet Shah at Kot Lakhpat Jail, with prison and Special Branch officials present.
The Ministry of Interior approved the US officials’ request for consular access and gave the Punjab Home Department instructions to facilitate the meeting.
The Punjab IG Prisons and the Kot Lakhpat Jail superintendent have been informed of these arrangements.
During a weekly press briefing, Vedant Patel, US State Department spokesperson, mentioned that the US is closely monitoring Shah’s case and has asked Pakistan to provide consular access. He emphasized the US’s commitment to supporting its citizens abroad, expecting Pakistani authorities to respect fair trial rights owed to detainees.
The attack on Jinnah House occurred amid heightened tension following the arrest of the PTI chairman in a case involving a £190m settlement. Supporters of PTI are believed to have set the building on fire. Shah has declared herself a fervent supporter of PTI.
