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Entire world used Dawn report as charge-sheet against Pakistan: Nisar

By Web Desk
October 13, 2016

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Thursday said Dawn's reporter Cyril Almeida was put on the Exit Control List to carry out the investigation into the report on a high level security meeting.  

Terming the news item incorrect, the Interior Minister told a press conference he will meet representatives of journalists' bodies on October 14 to discuss the matter.  He said the Dawn reporter stood by the story even after conceding that nobody confirmed the news.

“Why was the story published when everybody denied it,” he said adding that the matter should have ended and the story should not have been carried by the English daily.  “The journalist said he stood by the story…investigation is imperative now”.

He said two to three foreign journalists were also part of the investigation which was due to end in three to four days.

The minister said the entire world had an opportunity to charge-sheet Pakistan and Indian media manipulated the report as vindication of their narrative.

“We were forced to put Cyril Almeida on ECL after we came to know he intended to leave the country,” he said. “Government and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz would have to shoulder the blame, if he had left the country”.

He said it was decided in a high level meeting that action would be taken against those who leaked the details of the civil-military huddle.

Commenting on London police decision to drop money laundering investigation against Altaf Hussain, the minister said he was concerned over the developments in UK. 

The minister, however, tried to downplay the issue saying Pakistan and UK enjoy good relations and why should Pakistan undermine its close relations with the UK over an individual.

According to Scotland Yard, the case against Altaf Hussain, Mohammad Anwar and Sarfraz Merchant was withdrawn on the grounds that after examining all the evidence it was accepted that there is insufficient evidence to prove that the money seized was the proceeds of crime or was intended for use in unlawful conduct.

The interior minister also shared with journalists details about the new e-passport system.