Cynthia Ritchie, an American filmmaker residing in Pakistan has been quite the controversial figure lately. With her famous feuds with Pakistani Twitter, her allegations against PPP politicians and all the Twitter drama she gets into, in between, she never fails to make headlines. However, this time it seems, it may be one final headline for her.
Controversial American filmmaker Cynthia was just ordered by Ministry of Interior to leave the country in 15 days.
Pakistan orders @CynthiaDRitchie to leave the country in 15 days. pic.twitter.com/yr02NwvS30
— Azaz Syed (@AzazSyed) September 2, 2020
Cynthia Ritchie responded that she will be moving to appeal against the decision
In response to this news, Cynthia, took to Twitter to say that she would be filing an appeal and wants a higher body involved. Since this was the first time her Visa got rejected, despite living in the country for over 10 years, she said she needed a proper reason for the decision.
The MoI -under pressure best known to them- has for the first time, in my over 10+ years in Pakistan, rejected my Visa application. No reason has been given. We have a right to file an appeal & will do so. A higher forum must entertain my application & upon merits grant visa.
— Cynthia D. Ritchie (@CynthiaDRitchie) September 2, 2020
Many Pakistanis are happy that she was asked to leave
Considering that Cynthia is usually found fighting online, posting controversial new years resolutions and taking on the entire Pakistani Twitter in pointless fights some Pakistanis are glad that she’s been asked to leave.
Just leave,lady. Pakistan has enough problems without you being around.Don't you get it PapaJohns guy is in big trouble..they not bothered about a foreign journalist Visa @ this time. It's not like you are the only foreign asset in the cntry,for which they must give it their all.
— IsaD (@PakWoman_Vs_CIC) September 2, 2020
A foreign guest doesn't live in the country for 10 yrs, then get so comfortable that they start attacking Pakistanis for their opinions on social media. Even Pakistanis are not allowed that kind of freedom in the country.
In US yes, Pakistanis/OPs have that freedom of expression.— IsaD (@PakWoman_Vs_CIC) September 2, 2020
Dear Cynthia, many in Pakistan don't know why you have been here in Pakistan for 10+ years with influential networks that the diplomats can have.
Can you please let us know what have you done in those years apart from some ISPR films that never released or didn't get hit?
— Abdul Basit (@AbdulBasit0419) September 2, 2020
The type of videos you were producing are no more required. Internet have millions of such websites. ISPR people failed to produce a havoc in Pakistani Politics.
Packing Luggage, will be best option!— Critical Thinker (@CriticllyDecent) September 2, 2020
Some wondered if it’s time for Cynthia Ritchie to go back and write a book about Pakistan…
Pakistanis wondered if now that Cynthia’s visa has been rejected, she is going to take a page out of Reham Khan’s book and write a controversial book about Pakistan, allegedly “exposing” the country’s dark secrets.
So if your appeal gets rejected then you will be going back to your country and will be writing a book probably titled as 'Exposed' with some spicy first hand stories about PAK and its politics and what else. That's how it usually ends. *Sorry for breaking your plans to everyone*
— KK (@kam_kk2) September 2, 2020
U should have been smart enough to realise that ur time here is up. I know it’s hard to go back to a life of insignificance in Texas but u can always write a tell all book about ur escapades here. Will fetch u a good contract if u dedicate a chapter or ur to ur erstwhile hosts.
— Saifullah Mahsud (@ChiefMahsud) September 2, 2020
Of course, Papa Johns was mentioned
Ever since Cynthia Ritchie tweeted out in favor of former DG ISPR Asim Bajwa whose family allegedly owns several Papa John’s outlets in the US, she has been the butt of many jokes. This was no exception.
You should go to US and enjoy there papa Jhon’s visa …. otherwsie you will loose this opportunity too.. I am sure that you will write a book and expose to your masters …..
— Sindhi-Ajrak ( Im hayat Balouch ) (@SindhiDoctrine) September 2, 2020
Oh!
So sad,,
Even Asim Bajwa was not helpful.Thus,just fix up few Late Night Dinners & don't forget to remember GlobalGappuGafoora. pic.twitter.com/YAMP6Egv1h
— #XiPakjiang سرحد کے اس پار (@XPakjiang) September 2, 2020
However, despite the celebration by some, other Pakistanis have also shared their support for her
Only negativity is not being directed her way. Some people believe her cause and are supporting her in her decision to appeal. They have also left words of strength for her.
Joke of the Year@MOIofficialPk admitted in their comments that @CynthiaDRitchie has no visa violations n now they rejected the visa application. Still m unable to know that how a ministry can deviate from its own words.Probably two reasons
1. Incompetency
2. Political pressure https://t.co/MaWa5VTwbs— Ibrahim Arshad Khan (@ibrahim_arshad_) September 2, 2020
Dear Cynthia please never ever give up & take this case to the last. Because this case is not only about you getting justice, its also about Pakistani people. And people of Pakistan will able to see these immoral, dishonest,corrupt,liars politicians behind the bars.
— Farah Saif (@Fairyfaraah) September 2, 2020
I support your cause of seeking justice, but please don't blame MoI of rejecting your visa application "under pressure." Yes, approach the next appropriate forum. You should be permitted to stay in Pakistan till finalization of your cases. Stay strong.
— Muhammad Owais Akber (@Muhamma86768733) September 2, 2020
Currently, Pakistanis have mixed feelings about the whole ordeal. While some are glad that she has been asked to leave, others think her visa rejection was not the right way to go.
Do you agree with Cynthia that the Ministry of Interior had to issue the order for her to leave Pakistan under some kind of pressure? Let us know your thoughts.
Cover Image Via: geonews.tv/gulfnews.com