A day after information minister Pervaiz Rashid was shown the door, minister for interior Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan said the former was dismissed as he did not stop the controversial story, involving national security, from going to print.
Speaking at a press conference here on Sunday, he said that the journalist had discussed the 'false' story regarding a high-level security meeting with Rashid at his office where he strongly denied its content. The former federal information minister, however, failed to prevent the publication of this story, which led to his resignation.
"Pervaiz Rashid should have told the journalist concerned that the story is incorrect, and that it must not be published in the national interest...upon resistance or reluctance he could've asked the editor of the newspaper, Zaffar Abbas, or its management, not to run the story for it militates against the country's interests," he added.
Despite claims of concluding the investigation within weeks, the minister said that 'based on technical data gathered from intelligence agencies so far, it is yet to be determined who leaked the story to media.
He said that another committee consisting of officials of intelligence agencies will be formed to ascertain those behind leaking the story, adding it is an established fact that whosoever is behind this controversy will be brought to justice.
Nisar said the decision to remove Pervaiz Rashid was taken after an initial inquiry into the matter, with the army being taken into confidence.
"A complete inquiry is still pending. A high-powered committee will probe 'Dawn leaks' and those responsible will be exposed. No one should attempt to hide behind the right to information act and the right to protect sources... This is a matter of national security," he added.
About the journalist in question who is currently in the US, Nisar said that he was allowed to travel abroad on the assurance by CPNE and APNS, who assured him that the journalist would return in no time if needed.
"Only the journalist can shine a light on [the source] and I think, the journalist will fulfil his national responsibility...we'll ask him [Cyril] to come back, first, and if he didn't, we'll proceed to bring him back through legal procedures," he added.
Nisar termed the events quoted in the story such as a dispute between Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, and director general Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) chief over action against 'non-state actors', completely baseless.
"There has always been a consensus between the civil and military leadership on non-state actors...being harsh in the meeting is too big a claim," he maintained.
About Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) planned lockdown of Islamabad on November 02, he said the party intended to lock down the federal capital which will not be allowed as "it is a crime against the state".
"The lockdown may pressure the government, it may topple government, but what sort of message will this send out to the world if the capital of a nuclear state is locked down," he questioned.
Recalling his 45-year-long friendship with PTI chairman, he said had conveyed message to him through a mutual friend not to proceed with the Islamabad lockdown plan.
"My friendship with Imran Khan is one thing, but now PTI protesters planning to storm the Pak Secretariat, which is not acceptable. I tolerated them in 2014, but this time, law will take its course," he maintained.
To a question, he said a mob of 12,000 people from a province will not be allowed to "run over" the capital and destroy everything, adding all political parties have representation from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and it is a wrong impression that it belongs to PTI only.
"Why does the PTI want to shut down Islamabad when the Supreme Court has started proceedings in the matter... if someone thinks whatever he says is correct is just not acceptable," he added.
About rumours that Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the daughter of the prime minister, is believed to be the lead character in leaking out the sensitive information to the media, Nisar, walked out, saying: "It doesn't behove you to ask me about it, or me to respond to it".
To a question about the National Geographic fame Sharbat Gulla who had been arrested for holding a Pakistani ID card, he said that the FIA has been directed to ensure her bail as soon as possible. "She is a woman and we may look into her case on humanitarian grounds, but it's out of question that I'll spare the Nadra officials who issued her the ID card," he added.
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