Minister claims Almeida story was 'inaccurate'

JournalismPakistan.com | Published 9 years ago

ISLAMABAD – Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Thursday claimed that last week's Dawn story authored by Cyril Almeida on civil-military tensions was “inaccurate”.

The minister, addressing a press conference in Islamabad, asked who leaked this inaccurate news, and added that it was published at the behest of someone.

Almeida remained on the Exit Control List for the fourth day running – his front page October 6 story having left the government and the military fuming.

Dawn quoted the minister as saying an inquiry will be conducted into the placement of Almeida on the ECL after which "everyone will be allowed to travel freely."

He said that the inquiry will uncover whosoever leaked the news to the journalist. “But how can that person be brought to justice, if we allow the journalist to leave the country,” he asked.

The inquiry is likely to end in three to four days, the minister said, and added that Almeida was put on ECL because he was about to travel abroad.

Almeida ban unlikely to go until completion of inquiry: reports

Drop travel ban on Dawn journalist: Amnesty International

Dawn defends its writer, calls for immediate removal of his name from ECL

Cyril Almeida expects further, uglier actions

APNS wants Dawn journalist's name off ECL immediately

PFUJ concerned about Almeida's safety and security

HRCP demands lifting of travel ban on journalist

Senior journalists take to Twitter to back Cyril Almeida

Dawn journalist Cyril Almeida put on Exit Control List

Daily Times bats for Dawn