Dawn Leaks: Army withdraws tweet after PM-COAS meeting
Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has played key role in arranging meeting between the premier and COAS.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa held a meeting with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Islamabad today (Wednesday) to exchange views on Dawn Leaks issue.
According to PM House spokesperson, the meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere and both sides agreed to amicably resolve the matter. DG ISI Lt Gen Naveed Mukhtar was also present in the meeting.
ISPR tweet not against any govt office or person: Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor
Reportedly, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has played key role in arranging the meeting between Nawaz Sharif and Gen Qamar Bajwa.
In a short press release soon after the meeting, DG ISPR Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor withdrew his April 29th Tweet.
"The tweet on 29 April 2017 was not aimed at any government office or person. Recommendations as contained in Para 18 of the Inquiry Committee Report, duly approved by the Prime Minister, have been implemented, which has settled the Dawn leaks issue. Accordingly, ISPR s said Twitter post stands withdrawn and has become infructuous," the ISPR stated.
"Pakistan Army reiterates its firm commitment and continued resolve to uphold the constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and support the democratic process."
‘DAWN LEAKS ISSUE STANDS SETTLED’
An article published in the English-language Dawn newspaper in October, detailing high-level security talks, had angered the army and led to the firing of then-Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid, who was a Sharif ally.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Ministry of Interior said action on orders of the Prime Minister on recommendations of Dawn Leaks Inquiry Committee has already been completed and the issue stands settled.
It said there is need to develop a Code of Conduct for the Print Media especially when dealing with issues relating to security of Pakistan.
The Inquiry Committee recommended that the role of Daily Dawn, Zafar Abbas and Cyrill Almeida in the case may be referred to All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) with a direction to take disciplinary action against them.
The statement said the action already taken by the Federal Government against Senator Pervaiz Rashid is endorsed.
The Committee unanimously agreed that the then Principal Information Officer Rao Tehsin Ali had not displayed the required level of professionalism and has shown carelessness while dealing with the issue.
The Committee recommended that he may be proceeded against under the Efficiency and Discipline Rules.
The Committee also recommended removal of Mr. Tariq Fatemi from his portfolio of Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs.
In October, the prime minister’s office said the story was "planted" and termed it a "breach of national security" while the Dawn newspaper stood by author Cyril Almeida.
