The lawyer of Khadija Shah released an important message from her on Friday afternoon on X.
He, however, confirmed her release in a short note posted on behalf of Khadija Shah. Fashion designer and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporter Khadija Shah was granted bail by an anti-terrorism court in Quetta on Thursday in connection to the May 9 riots, as reported by The News on Friday.
After surrendering to Punjab police in Lahore on May 23, Shah, known for her strong support for PTI, had been in custody for months over allegations of her involvement in the violent protests following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan in a corruption case.
The court released her and dismissed Quetta police’s request for an extension in her physical remand, weeks after her initial arrest in connection to a murder case on December 11.
Shah, accused of attacking military installations, including the Jinnah House where Corp Commander Lahore resided, was held for seven days by Quetta police for further investigation into the May 9 riots.
The daughter of former federal minister Salman Shah, Khadija Shah has been praised within PTI circles for her support of Imran Khan’s political party. Her counsel, Iqbal Shah, requested the police to provide evidence supporting their allegations, and if they failed to do so, urged for his client’s acquittal.
Shah had been granted bail in the last of the four cases linked to the May 9 incidents more than a month ago but was later issued detention orders under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) ordinance for 30 days on November 17.
https://x.com/SameerKhosa/status/1740642515731263901?s=20
In a short note posted on X, Khadija Shah expressed her gratitude to people for sending her prayers and support during her difficult time. Her lawyers, however, confirmed that she is no longer active on X.
“Finally glad to be able to confirm: the case against #Khadijah Shah was dismissed in Quetta and she was ordered to be released. After 220 long days, she has finally been released thanks to the various courts of the land,” read the note.
“In the interests of her privacy, at this time, there is no further public comment from her legal team or her family, except deep gratitude for her release and for the love and support so many have sent her way.”
“To clarify: She has no presence on Twitter. Any such account or any other statements attributed to her are fake,” the note concluded.