Dawn journalist barred from leaving Pakistan: 10 things to know

1. Cyril Almeida, a well-known Pakistani journalist, has been barred from leaving the country following a report in Dawn.

2. On October 6, Almeida's page one story created ripples for revealing a rift between Pakistan's civilian government and the military.

3. Citing sources, he states that in a top-level meeting, government officials rained down hard on the military leadership of a growing international isolation of Pakistan due to alleged support for militancy.

4. The meeting was chaired by Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif, including senior cabinet and provincial officials. Whereas, the military was represented by ISI DG Rizwan Akhtar.

5. Pakistan government has flatly denied the story. Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif ordered authorities to take "stern action" against those behind publishing the "fabricated" story.

6. The story came at a time of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, following New Delhi's claim of successfully conducting surgical strikes on September 29 in response to the Uri attack.

7. According to the Guardian, "Almeida was booked on a Tuesday morning flight to Dubai for a long-planned holiday with members of his family but received word on Monday evening that he would not be allowed to board the plane."

8. Cyril's name is now on Exit Control List (ECL), which prohibits people from leaving Pakistan.

9. Cyril took to Twitter to clear his stand. He tweeted, "Puzzled, saddened. Had no intention of going anywhere; this is my home. Pakistan."

10. On October 10, Dawn editor, Zaffar Abbas, issued an official statement wherein the newspaper stands by the story and that "the elected government and state institutions should refrain from targeting the messenger".

Also read - Indian Army's surgical strikes widen rifts in Pakistani establishment