ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday directed secretary interior to hear the US citizen, Cynthia Dawn Ritchie's visa issue, and pass a 'speaking order' in the matter.

A single bench of IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah heard the petition filed by an office-bearer of Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chaudhry Iftikhar Ahmad against Cynthia Ritchie.

During the hearing, Ministry of Interior joint secretary Ali Asghar appeared before the court, while Sardar Latif Khosa Advocate represented the petitioner. However, the joint secretary could not properly assist the court regarding the relevant law, rules and regulations applicable in case of different categories of visas.

He told the bench that visa of Cynthia had expired in March, and that she had applied for extension. He further informed that the respondent had entered Pakistan on a business visa.

Justice Minallah directed the secretary to hear the petitioner and respondent no. 1, and pass a speaking order.

The IHC order said: "The Court expects that the Secretary, Ministry of Interior will pass a speaking order before the date fixed and a copy shall be placed on the record of this Court. The petitioner shall be at liberty to file his grievance petition before the Secretary, Ministry of Interior on or before 06- 07-2020."

Later, the court adjourned hearing in this matter till July 10 for further proceedings.

The petitioner's stance is that Cynthia Ritichie is a foreign national and staying in Pakistan without a valid visa.

He added that her visa had expired and yet respondents are not proceeding against her in accordance with the law.

He informed that she is not a registered voter, and yet has been allowed and facilitated to interfere and comment on political matters.

He argued that she is being facilitated to tarnish the image of the country by bringing political leadership into disrepute through false and concocted statements/allegations.

He also argued that activities of the Cynthia are in violation of the terms and conditions of the visa, which was earlier granted to her, while the respondents are refusing to act in accordance with law.

In his petition, Ahmad has cited secretary Cabinet Division, secretary Interior, DG FIA and chairman Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan as respondents.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020