PPP reports against the suspicious and notorious, Cynthia D Richie

Former Senator Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Sehar Kamran has asked Pakistani authorities to take immediate notice of the activities of Ms. Cynthia D Richie, and the initiation of a process for her immediate deportation from Pakistan, as well as declaring her a persona non grata.

Sehar Kamran asked Mr. Wajid Zia, Director General (DG), Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Mr. Sohail Mehmood, Foreign Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Lt. General Faiz Hameed HI (M), DG Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) five questions regarding Cynthia D Richie in a letter addressed to them separately.

Ms. Ritchie has been playing an incendiary role, with what appears to be the aim of inflaming public sentiment, provoking widespread anger and offense among a significant portion of the population, as well as the millions of Pakistanis both at home and abroad who follow, love and respect Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.

Death threats to Cynthia by PPP leaders

‘Her derogatory and libelous comments are becoming increasingly offensive and dangerous, ranging from her outrageously false allegations against a globally respected, twice elected democratic leader and the first female Prime Minister within the Muslim world to maligning one of the largest political parties in the country by insinuating its connections with anti-state entities. A thorough review of her profile highlights how this is far from the first time Ms Ritchie has sought to instigate controversy.

‘The problem is not one of a lone individual expressing unsavory personal opinions; Ms Ritchie has – as demonstrated by her continuing presence in the country and bravado – a large sphere of influence, both nationally and internationally. Her seemingly innocuous comments are actively humiliating the nation with regard to the state of women and human rights in the country,’ said the PPP leader in her letter.

Furthermore, the imagery presented by her pictures with military leadership and senior bureaucracy, and access as a foreign tourist to generally sensitive locations (FATA, Kashmir, etc) is deepening the civil-military divide by unnecessarily implicating national institutions as her support base.

The letter further stated that, “It may be useful at this juncture to further investigate all of Ms Ritchie’s activities, which I am certain range beyond her social media commentaries, to protect our national interests. In this regard, the following questions have been raised about Ms Ritchie. I understand that any foreign national residing in Pakistan in generally under strict checks and balances, in light of the country’s sensitive history and location. This ought to be applicable to this American lady as well, whose actions and activities are immensely damaging for national harmony and peace.”

The five questions asked from the three officials of Pakistan government were as follows:

1. Why and in what capacity is Ms Ritchie a resident in Pakistan?
2. What is the nature and duration of her visa status? Who is her sponsor to this end?
3. A regular expat who initially introduced herself as a ‘tourist’ and a ‘belly dancer’ has somehow become embroiled in Pakistani politics, by her own assertion at the highest levels? How?
4. What is the purpose behind her provoking public sentiment, and furthering bitterness in an already politically polarized society? Furthermore, why is her vitriol targeted towards Sindh, and has conveniently emerged at a time when the Province was receiving praise and support for its efforts in the fight against COVID-19?
5. What is the official Government policy on the continued presence of such suspicious characters in Pakistan?

It is to be remembered that Cynthia Richie introduces herself as a freelance producer, director, and strategic communications consultant. She is an American citizen and visited Pakistan few years back. She also writes blogs based on her experiences and travel in Pakistan.

Stay tuned to Baaghi TV for latest news and updates!