KARACHI: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Senator Sehar Kamran has written a letter to the Director-General Inter-Services Intelligence (DG-ISI) to take action against a US columnist.
The senator in a tweet confirmed the news of formally writing to DG-ISI General Faiz Hameed against Cynthia D. Ritchie for using offensive remarks about late Benazir Bhutto in a social media post.
The letter has also been written to DG Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Wajid Zia, DG Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Babar Iftikhar, Foreign Affairs Secretary and the chairmen of the Senate standing committees on interior and foreign affairs.
Self Explanatory Letters sent to DGISI, DGISPR @OfficialDGISPR
Secretary Foreign Affairs @ForeignOfficePk
DGFIA Mr Wajid Zia
Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Interior @SenRehmanMalik
Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs @Mushahid pic.twitter.com/uailfxP82t— Senator Sehar Kamran T.I. (@SeharKamran) May 29, 2020
The PP senator in a letter wrote that “Cynthia D. Ritchie who is an American columnist currently residing in Pakistan, has been involved in anti-state activities,” and has played 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 late Benazir Bhutto.”
The letter further stated, “Her derogatory and libelous comments are becoming increasingly offensive and dangerous from her outrageously false allegations against the twice elected democratic leader. A thorough review of her profile reflects how this is far from the first time Ms. Ritchie has sought to instigate controversy.”
The senator in her letter also highlighted some of the important questions about Cynthia’s presence in Pakistan such as the reasons for staying in the country. “What is the nature or duration of her visa status and what is the purpose behind her provoking public sentiments?”
The senator also asked how an “initially introduced tourist and according to her a ‘belly dancer’ become embroiled in Pakistani politics?” she continued “What is the government’s policy against such suspicious characters in Pakistan?”
She requested to take immediate action and initiate proceedings against her as prescribed by the law and under their mandate.
In response to the letter by PPP senator against her, the US columnist also posted on Twitter,
Hysterical PPP! Most of all, I’m honoured that you labeled me as a “belly dancer”- of which I’ve NEVER done.
The only problem is that your party is going down the drain – as it rightly should. You’ve plundered the country long enough & connections to PTM show your true colours. pic.twitter.com/E8SxSqMTeM
— Cynthia D. Ritchie (@CynthiaDRitchie) May 29, 2020
