M. M. ALAM

KARACHI:PM Office has once again rejected the story published by DAWN on Thursday October 6. The contradiction was to express concern over the publication of ‘a fabricated news story’ in the said newspaper.

This was third such statement. It came after a meeting of the top civil and military leadership on Monday (October 10). It was maintained that the piece pertained to security issues purportedly discussed in a meeting of National Security Committee held last week.

PM’s rejection note held that the participants felt that Print and Electronic media should refrain itself from speculative reporting and issues of national security and interests of the state.

Editor on behest of Dawn clarified: “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 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”.

Cyril Almeida quoted unnamed sources:  In his piece that appeared in the Dawn of October 6, Cyril Almeida quoted anonymous sources who claimed that they were present in the meeting held  between PM Nawaz Sharif  and DG ISI Rizwan Akhtar.

According to Cyril Almeida the sources have revealed that PM and other members of the Govt. have raised concerns about a lack of military action against certain militant groups. 

Despite PM Office’s repeated denial  Dawn stood by the story.