Travel ban on Pak journalist

Cyril Almeida

TT, Oct. 11 (Reuters): A prominent Pakistani journalist has been barred from leaving the country after he wrote an article about a rift between the Nawaz Sharif government and the powerful military over the ISI shielding terror groups.

Cyril Almeida's name has been placed on the Exit Control List, his newspaper Dawnreported today, citing officials. An interior ministry spokesman said he could not confirm the order had been issued.

Almeida, a leading columnist and assistant editor at one of Pakistan's most respected English-language dailies, issued a tweet late on Monday about the ban.

"I am told and have been informed and have been shown evidence that I am on the Exit Control List," he said. "Puzzled, saddened. Had no intention of going anywhere; this is my home. Pakistan."

Almeida's report, published on October 6, gave an account of a tense, high-level security meeting held between military and government officials. Quoting anonymous sources, it said civilian government officials pointed to Pakistan's growing international isolation and called for the military not to interfere if civilian authorities tried to arrest members of anti-India militant groups such as the Jaish-e-Mohammad and the Lashkar-e-Toiba.

Dawn, which had carried the report on its front page, stood by its report. It said in a statement today: "First, this newspaper considers it a sacred oath to its readers to pursue its reporting fairly, independently and, above all, accurately. The story that has been rejected by the Prime Minister's Office as a fabrication was verified, cross-checked and fact-checked."

The government has denied the report. On Monday, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif met army chief Raheel Sharif to discuss its contents, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office.

"The participants were unanimous that the published story was clearly violative of universally acknowledged principles of reporting on national security issues and has risked the vital state interests.... The Prime Minister took serious notice of the violation and directed that those responsible should be identified for stern action," the statement said.

Almeida's tweet is trending in Pakistan, with several senior journalists, including Najam Sethi of Geo, tweeting in his support.

Under the Exit from Pakistan (Control) Ordinance 1981, the Pakistani government can bar the exit of any citizen from the country. Those on the list may apply for a review by the government itself, but not by the courts. The measure has rarely been used against journalists.