Dawn Journalist Hailed ‘Brave Messenger’ After Pak PM’s Crackdown

The decision of the Nawaz Sharif-led government to bar Pakistani journalist Cyril Almeida from leaving the country was followed with a lot of social media chatter – and much criticism. Almeida's front-page article in the Dawn newspaper reported of a meeting between the civilian government and the military, whereby Sharif had asked the Pakistani Army to back off.

Among the most popular trends on Twitter in Pakistan on Tuesday was #StandWithCyril.

Sharif had earlier ordered "stern action" against those who "fabricated" the news. Almeida took to Twitter to express his shock and despair.

I am told and have been informed and have been shown evidence that I am on the Exit Control List.

— cyril almeida (@cyalm) October 10, 2016

Was a long-planned trip, for at least several mths now. There are certain things that I will never, ever forgive.

— cyril almeida (@cyalm) October 10, 2016

I feel sad tonight. This is my life, my country. What went wrong.

— cyril almeida (@cyalm) October 10, 2016

Also read: Pak Journalist Barred From Leaving Country Over “False” Report

‘Don’t Target the Messenger’

.@cyalm Welcome to the club! #Pakistan

— Husain Haqqani (@husainhaqqani) October 10, 2016

Shouldn't be #StandWithCyril it should be #ThankYouCyril - you've ignited it. Now it's with the rest of us to take to its conclusion. @cyalm

— Gibran Peshimam (@gibranp) October 10, 2016

@cyalm has done his job with courage & integrity & in the interest of his nation. Deserves deepest respect & thx #StandWithCyril

— Moni Mohsin (@moni_butterfly) October 11, 2016

Targeting the messenger seems to have become a new global trend. Sad. #StandWithCyril

— Vikram Chandra (@vikramchandra) October 11, 2016

If there is no DAWN, there will be no "Noon". There might be an (After)Noon. Mourning will follow. Remember that. #StandWithCyril

— Murtaza Solangi (@murtazasolangi) October 11, 2016

Sad day for journalism as once again Pakistan targets the brave messenger while militants walk free #standwithcyril https://t.co/JTNQTk7aQ6

— christinalamb (@christinalamb) October 11, 2016

Also read: Nawaz Sharif Wants Action Over ‘False’ Story on Pak Army-Govt Rift