Gov’t Denies Journalists Were Barred from Bringing Mobile Phones into President’s Office

Chief Spokesperson of the President’s Office Heena Waleed, has refuted claims that journalists were prohibited from entering the premises with their mobile phones.

The President’s Office reversed its decision to implement a ban on mobile phones at press conferences, a move that garnered criticism soon after its announcement yesterday. The reversal was communicated to journalists during a press briefing convened by the President’s Office last morning.

Initially, journalists objected to the ban by refusing to enter the press room without their phones. Responding to this, the President’s Office issued a temporary permit, acknowledging that no prior notice had been given to journalists regarding the ban.

However, despite the temporary permit, the President’s Office subsequently announced on Sunday that mobile phones would not be permitted in future meetings. This decision was explained as part of new security protocols aimed at preventing individuals, including political appointees, from bringing phones into the office’s meetings.

This marks the first occasion on which journalists have faced restrictions on bringing their phones into the President’s Office press room. However, following significant backlash, particularly on social media platforms, the President’s Office swiftly reversed the decision. It was clarified that journalists would be granted an exception in future press briefings, ensuring continued access to mobile devices during these events.