CPNE deplores treason case against Cyril

E-Paper | June 13, 2026

ISLAMABAD: The Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) has expressed concern over filing of a treason case against Cyril Almeida and placing his name on the exit control list.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Arif Nizami, the council’s president, senior vice president Imtinan Shahid and Dr Jabbar Khattak stressed that all state and non-state institutions must respect media freedom as it was “vital to a democratic culture”.

“Freedom of expression has been guaranteed in the constitution,” the CPNE recalled.

“It is not proper to persecute any journalist for interviewing a former prime minister. It is not a crime to perform journalistic duty,” the statement added. “Such actions amount to eliminating media freedom.”

The CPNE leadership said one-sided action and filing of cases against any journalist violated human rights and media freedom guaranteed by the constitution.

The statement said accepting of responsibility on the part of the publication concerned was in line with journalistic principles.

Published in Dawn, September 27th, 2018

Our readers are at the heart of everything we do.
Do you have a thought to share or a way we can improve? We’d love to hear it. Reach out to us at feedback@dawn.com.

Pakistan

Kalbe Ali is a senior staff reporter for Dawn based in Islamabad, with nearly 20 years of field reporting experience. He covers a diverse range of topics, including the internet, IT and telecom sectors, as well as religious affairs.

'Peace has never been this close': PM Shehbaz says text of 'final' US-Iran peace deal agreed upon

PM Shehbaz stresses importance of 'strong security' ahead of budget presentation

MQM-P delegation calls on PM Shehbaz ahead of budget; party leader says Rs20bn allocation sought for Karachi projects

Ustazi

Sep 27, 2018 12:34pm

It is definitely not a crime to perform journalistic duties but like Generals, Politicians and Judges, there should be a system of accountability for journalists as well.

Recommend 0

Parvez

Sep 27, 2018 05:18pm

There is irresponsible journalism ....... and then there is responsible journalism. To advocate that a journalist is above the law of the land is like skating on thin ice ...... it is best to let the court decided.

Recommend 0

Sameer

Sep 27, 2018 05:26pm

All I ask is that a guy who only wrote an article has article 6 pasted on his forehead; while the brave commando who gifted us the poison of NRO is free in Dubai!? Why the double standards?

Recommend 0

Branded Content

Why SQD-Mini LED is the display breakthrough we’ve been waiting for?

The display industry is entering a new phase, where reducing trade-offs is as important as pushing performance limits.

The Palms at Silk Gardens introduces a new family address in Karachi

The Palms places families at the heart of its vision, offering thoughtfully planned 2 and 3-bedroom units in a secure, peaceful and community-led environment.