On Monday, a senior Pakistani journalist, Cyril Almeida, was put on the country's Exit Control List, barring him from leaving the nation.
Almeida tweeted saying he was put on the list after he reported on differences between the Pakistan's civilian government and the military on tackling militants.
I am told and have been informed and have been shown evidence that I am on the Exit Control List.
— cyril almeida (@cyalm) October 10, 2016
The article in question, which was published by Dawn, described an “extraordinary verbal confrontation” between Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and the director general of Pakistan's spy agency ISI, Rizwan Akhtar, during a recent meeting, where the civilian government told the military that Pakistan risks being isolated internationally unless it cracks down on militancy.
Following the news of Almeida being placed on the Exit Control List, Dawn posted an official statement on its Facebook page. It read:
"The story by Cyril Almeida "Act against militants or face international isolation, civilians tell military" that has been rejected by Prime Minister’s Office as a fabrication was verified, cross-checked and fact-checked.
Second, many at the helm of affairs are aware of the senior officials, and participants of the meeting, who were contacted by the newspaper for collecting information, and more than one source confirmed and verified the details.
Therefore, the elected government and state institutions should refrain from targeting the messenger, and scape-goating the country’s most respected newspaper in a malicious campaign.Therefore, the elected government and state institutions should refrain from targeting the messenger, and scape-goating the country’s most respected newspaper in a malicious campaign."
Following the travel ban, Almeida said he was distraught, tweeting: "I feel sad tonight. This is my life, my country. What went wrong." He also added, "Puzzled, saddened. Had no intention of going anywhere; this is my home. Pakistan."
Since Almeida's tweets, social media users have been expressing support for the Dawn journalist, using the hashtag #StandWithCyril.
Taliban-supporting fundamentalists like Orya Maqbool Jan are free to write and speak, but Cyril's name is placed on ECL. #StandWithCyril.
— Ashar Jawad (@AsharJawad) October 10, 2016
For all Dawn haters. Take this it's trending on top #StandWithCyril
— Mubashir Zaidi (@Xadeejournalist) October 10, 2016
Scariest bit is that geniuses who think putting @cyalm on ECL is good for PK get to decide what else is good & right for PK #StandwithCyril https://t.co/UQgRxVZU3a
— Babar Sattar (@Babar_Sattar) October 10, 2016
#StandWithCyril
— Aamir Mughal (@mughalbha) October 11, 2016
and if a Journalist has the access to the alleged Classified information than shame on Security Apparatus pic.twitter.com/C3YnZcN2UH
Shouldn't be #StandWithCyril it should be #ThankYouCyril - you've ignited it. Now it's with the rest of us to take to its conclusion. @cyalm
— Gibran Peshimam (@gibranp) October 10, 2016
The Government must take @cyalm off the ECL - in no way did his report violate the integrity or security of Pakistan. This is victimization.
— Bina Shah (@BinaShah) October 11, 2016
If there is no DAWN, there will be no "Noon". There might be an (After)Noon. Mourning will follow. Remember that. #StandWithCyril
— Murtaza Solangi (@murtazasolangi) October 11, 2016
"A critical, independent and investigative press is the lifeblood of any democracy." - Nelson Mandela.#StandWithCyril
— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) October 10, 2016