Dawn leaks

In 2016, Cyril Almeida, while working for Dawn as a journalist, reported that during the high profile National Security Council (NSC) meeting between the civilian leaders under the leadership of then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the military leaders of Pakistan, some civilian leaders highlighted the diplomatic challenges facing Pakistan.^[1] Aizaz Chaudhry presented a briefing indicating that major world powers were indifferent to Pakistan's position, and relations with the United States were deteriorating over demands to act against the Haqqani Network.^[1] He also noted that while China remained supportive, it preferred a change in Pakistan's approach to dealing with militant groups.^[1]

Two key decisions emerged from the meeting. First, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Director General Rizwan Akhtar, accompanied by National Security Adviser Nasir Khan Janjua, was tasked with visiting all four provinces and ISI sector commanders to instruct that military-led intelligence agencies should not interfere with law enforcement actions against banned militant groups. Second, the government planned to expedite the investigation into the Pathankot airbase attack and restart the stalled trial related to the 2008 Mumbai attacks in a Rawalpindi anti-terrorism court.^[1]

The meeting witnessed a notable exchange between then-Chief Minister of Punjab, Shehbaz Sharif and Rizwan Akhtar. Shehbaz Sharif accused the security establishment of undermining civilian efforts by facilitating the release of arrested individuals linked to certain militant groups. In response, Akhtar asserted the military's policy of not distinguishing between different militant organizations and expressed readiness to support government actions.^[1]