ISLAMABAD: The inquiry committee meant to establish the identity of the person who leaked information regarding a high-level meeting of top civilian and military officials, held last month, to Dawn, has been empowered to summon anybody and examine them on oath.

According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Interior on Saturday, the committee will conduct the inquiry in terms of section 4 of the Pakistan Commissions of Inquiry Act 1956. It will have specific powers to summon and enforce the attendance of any person and examine him on oath. It can also require the discovery and production of any documents, receive evidence on affidavits and issue commissions for the examination of witnesses or documents.

The committee will also be required to maintain a record of its proceedings, according to the notification.

The government formed the seven-member inquiry committee on Nov 7. Headed by retired Justice Aamer Raza Khan, the committee has been given 30 days to submit its report.

According to its terms of reference, the committee is required to inquire into the circumstances surrounding the alleged leak, determining the interests and motives behind the leak and publication of the story, establish the identity of those responsible and apportion blame.

Published in Dawn, November 13th, 2016