ISLAMABAD – An official notification surfaced on social media directingauthorities at Multan airport to give special protocol to a reporter ofDawn newspaper who conducted the what is being termed as an anti-stateinterview.
Taking notice of the official communiqué, Secretary Aviation has reportedlyremoved Ehtasham Ali, SO to Advisor to PM on Aviation, for issuing theunauthorised handout on May 11 to the grant security clearance to Almeida.
A notification issued by Aviation Division on May 11 directing official ofMultan airport states, “Please allow the following person [Cyril Almedia]into Multan Airport Lounge/ Apron as normal security clearance on11-05-2018, Flight Special Plane, arrival time 1430 hrs”.
Rejecting impression that the interview with Sharif was planted, the Dawnreporter said that he “was already in Multan in search of a story onsouth Punjab when learned of Nawaz’s jalsa the next day”.
Cyril Almeida further said that he was conveyed a plan to meet the formerpremier at the airport for the interview but he did not go to the airportas the interview was conducted at another place.
Some local reporters in Multan claimed that the interview was conducted atthe residence of Punjab Governor Rafique Rajwana.
Secretary Aviation in a note under the controversial notificationcirculating on social media wrote, “This unauthorised handout had beenbrought to my notice, The SO has acted without my knowledge and permissionand no doubt, has misused his position. He should be immediately removedfrom this office and report back to his department”.