THE conflict between PPP and Pakistan-based American blogger
Cynthia D. Ritchie intensified the other day after latter came out with allegations of rape and assault against some top PPP leaders. Ritchie alleged that former Interior Minister Rehman Malik raped her while former Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani and former Minister Makhdoom Shahabuddin manhandled her on a separate occasion.
The allegations levelled by American blogger has surprised and shocked everyone in the country with some denying it as a conspiracy against the party while others supporting the version of Ritchie. In fact this is not the first time that our political leaders have been accused by a woman of harassment. In the past also, we saw Ayesha Gulali accusing certain PTI leaders of harassing her. Nonetheless, accusations hurled by Ritchie has been taken more seriously as these have come from a foreigner and against a party which has always stood and supported rights of women. However, it is also surprising as to why Ritchie remained mum on this issue for nine years and what prompted her to spill the beans now. Everybody wants to know the truth.
Though PPP leaders have denied the allegations yet this will not be suffice. In our view, a top level impartial inquiry should be conducted into the matter as an effort has been made to tarnish the image of PPP and the country at large. Whosoever found involved in wrongdoing, either Ritchie or PPP leaders, should be exposed and taken to task as per law of the land.
