ISLAMABAD : Islamabad High Court (IHC) has extended stay order till October 13 in regard to interior ministry order on expulsion of US Blogger Cynthia Ritchie from Pakistan.
The court has also directed Cynthia Ritchie to file affidavit under the previous court’s orders.
Chief Justice (CJ) IHC Athar Minallah took up the case for hearing Tuesday.
CJ IHC remarked it is job of interior ministry to investigate this case. Cynthia Ritchie has leveled serious allegations. Does government not want to probe into this matter?
The defense counsel told the court two hearings have taken place in subordinate court. No one has appeared from the side of Rehman Malik.
Deputy Attorney General (DAG) told the court Cynthia Ritchie filed appeal against rejection of extension in her visa. The appeal plea of Cynthia Ritchie is pending hearing with interior secretary. This petition should also be disposed of.
The court inquired what is the policy of interior ministry with reference to business visa.
The representative of interior ministry told the court letter from Chamber of Commerce Chicago was must in connection with business visa of Cynthia Ritchie which was provided by her. The letter from the company which had sponsored her was also provided by her.
The court inquired can any one after coming here on business visa do any thing. What action is taken by interior ministry if some one comes here and does some other work. How many visas of this nature have been cancelled by interior ministry so far.
The interior ministry representative told the court details are not with me just now. This is the first case in which statements of political nature have been given.
The court wrapped up PPP petition seeking expulsion of Cynthia Ritchie from the country.
DAG told the court order has been issued on PPP petition which has now become infructuous.
Counsel for PPP told the court “our petition be kept pending. We had prayed too for preventing Cynthia Ritchie from giving statements.
The hearing of the case was adjourned till October 13.
