Hard to Believe Defence Ministry Keeps No Records of Aarah Visitors Outside President’s Family: RaajjeTV
27 އޮކްޓޯބަރު 2026 | އަންގާރަ 09:53Raajje TV has challenged the Ministry of Defence's claim at the Information Commissioner’s Office that no records are maintained regarding non-family members accompanying the President on trips to Aarah, calling the assertion unacceptable. During a hearing held due to an unclear response to a Right to Information (RTI) request, the news outlet further argued that disclosing details and expenditures related to the President's trips does not pose a security threat.
I find it hard to believe that the Ministry of Defence would not maintain records of any individual visiting Aarah, other than members of the President's family: RaajjeTV | Raajje MV
Amir Saleem, RaajjeTV’s Broadcast Visual Director, has stated that it is hard to believe the Ministry of Defence would not maintain records of any individuals visiting Aarah who are not members of the President’s family.
Speaking at a hearing held by the Information Commission on Tuesday, the Ministry of Defence stated that it was largely unaware of any individuals other than family members accompanying the President to Aarah. The Ministry further noted that it could not confirm whether any guests invited by the President would be prohibited from accompanying him.
In response to the Ministry of Defence's statement, Amir asserted that it is inconceivable that the Ministry would fail to maintain or monitor records of any individual, other than the President's immediate family, who visited Aarah.
For instance, the lack of oversight could lead to a significant security compromise in certain situations. Therefore, we cannot accept the argument that these records are not closely monitored or that the information is unavailable. Furthermore, the Ministry of Defence has not indicated that disclosing this specific information would result in a security breach. I am not inquiring about the President's movements, but rather about the other individuals involved.Amir Saleem
Furthermore, RaajjeTV Deputy COO Nazmee Saeed questioned whether disclosing details of the President's previous trips to Aarah—information already known to the public—would truly compromise his security.
This case follows a complaint filed by RaajjeTV with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICOM) regarding an RTI request. The broadcaster sought details on the President’s trips to Aarah for vacations with his family so far this year, including the total expenditure from the state budget and whether any individuals other than the First Couple and their children accompanied them. RaajjeTV escalated the matter after the Ministry of Defence failed to provide adequate or clear answers to these inquiries.
