'Under-investigation' journalist flies to US

ISLAMABAD/KARACHI:  A columnist-cum-reporter who was reportedly under investigation for his controversial news report flew to the United States weeks after removal of his name from Exit Control List, ARY News reported.

According to ARY News anchor Arshad Sharif, Cyril Almeida flew to the US to cover presidential elections for his newspaper despite being under investigation for his news report about an alleged rift between the military and the federal government.

Interior Ministry had placed the journalist’s name on the Exit Control List (ECL)  barring him to remain the country until the completion of a government committee’s inquiry into the story.

No plans to travel anywhere other than to see mum, nephews in their home in Khi. Not sure why I’d run away from my home, which is Pakistan. https://t.co/79XixYpReF

— cyril almeida (@cyalm) October 14, 2016

His name was removed from the list on October 14 after Interior Minister met a delegation of All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) and The Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) who assured that the journalist Cyril Almeida will help authorities in the investigation regarding the story.

Talking to the delegation, the Interior Minister reiterated his call that independent media must play its role not only towards safeguarding national interests but also to counter negative propaganda of the enemies of state.

“Unverified and speculative news items citing sources on national security issues must be refrained that crosses ethical boundaries of responsible journalism” said Nisar.

On the very same day, Corps Commanders Conference expressed serious concern over ‘feeding of false and fabricated story of an important security meeting held at PM house and viewed it as breach of national security.’