Pak removes Dawn journalist's name from Exit Control List

The Pakistan Government on Friday removed the name of Dawn journalist Cyril Almeida from the Exit Control List (ECL).

"It has been decided to delete the name of Cyril Almeida s/o Norbert Almeida CNIC # 42301-6983317-9 Passport No. BF1753172, from Exit Control List," read a notification issued by the Interior Ministry.

Earlier today, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan had also assured the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) and the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) that Almeida's name would be removed from the ECL, reports the Dawn.

However, he told participants that removal of the name would in no way affect the ongoing inquiry into the matter and the inquiry would continue till its logical conclusion.

Khan reiterated during the meeting that the independent media must play its role not only towards safeguarding national interests and security but also counter negative propaganda by enemies of the state.

Almeida's name was added to the Exit Control List to prevent him from traveling abroad after the Dawn published a report, denied by authorities, by him about an alleged rift between the country's powerful military and its government

The Prime Minister's Office rejected the story thrice since it was published on October 6.

In an Editor's note, Dawn clarified its position and stated on the record that the story "was verified, cross-checked and fact-checked.