Dawn story still alive as journalists trade barbs on Twitter

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 29 October 2016

The Dawn leak story continues to ignite debates among journalists on social media. Cyril Almeida, at the center of the controversy, faces backlash after his report on civil-military relations.

Summary

ISLAMABAD: The Dawn leak story about a national security meeting refuses to die down as journalists, including Cyril Almeida, are confronting each other on social media.

Sami Ibrahim (pictured), an ARY News anchor, tweeted: “Reports of at least 8 calls on viber between Cyril almeida and Maryam Nawaz…” Almeida responded: “Well, this awkward. I don’t have Viber…”

Almeida, an assistant editor with Dawn, ran into problems after his October 6 story on civil-military tensions angered the government and the army. This prompted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif directing that those responsible be identified for stern action.

Almeida’s report on American election on Saturday did not go unnoticed. Omar Quraishi,  Editor Digital Properties Samaa, tweeted: “Doesn't Dawn have longstanding correspondents in the US -- the very able Masood Haider and Anwar Iqbal -- why send someone from Pak?”

When Almeida’s name was put on ECL after the publication of the story, he was planning to leave for Dubai on vacations.

When Sami was confronted by another journalist for “spreading lies”, he hinted that one of Cyril’s brothers “has 27 sims...he didn't have even cell phone under his name. He met more than 20 times with the lady.”

KEY POINTS:

• Cyril Almeida's reporting has led to tensions with the government and military.
• Journalists are publicly confronting each other over the accuracy of Almeida's claims.
• Sami Ibrahim tweeted allegations about Almeida's communication with Maryam Nawaz.
• Almeida's name was placed on the Exit Control List amid the controversy.
• The situation highlights ongoing civil-military tensions in Pakistan.