Zubair Qureshi
US blogger and journalist Cynthia D Ritchie’s plea for filing of rape case against former Interior Minister and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Senator Rehman Malik could not be heard on Saturday as once again a junior counsel for Malik sought adjournment from the court. As the court resumed hearing Cynthia D Ritchie’s counsel Irman Feroz requested the court to hear the case on merit and direct police to register an FIR of rape against Rehman Malik. However, when the Additional District & Session Judge (ADSJ) Atta Rabbani inquired about the stance of Rehman Malik, a junior counsel appeared on his behalf and sought adjournment.
He informed the court his senior lawyer was moving a petition in the Islamabad High Court against registration of FIR. This is the third time an adjournment is being sought from Rehman Malik’s side.
The judge however, giving them the last chance adjourned the case until Sept 21 making it clear there would be no further adjournment. If you want this court not to pass order or hear the petition, bring some stay order, said the judge and put off the case hearing until next date ie Sept 21. Later, talking to media, Cynthia D Ritchie outside the court building said she and her legal team had been continuously appearing before the honourable court but unfortunately, the man she has been alleging to have committed rape is least bothered about appearance before the court.
