Islamabad Police Storm National Press Club, Journalists Assaulted

The Incident at the National Press Club

On Thursday afternoon, Islamabad police stormed the National Press Club (NPC) during a protest organised by the Awami Action Committee, leaving journalists shocked and outraged. The protest, scheduled around 3pm, began peacefully with demonstrators gathering outside the press club. Police, however, arrested several protesters, escalating tensions.

Journalists covering the protest attempted to document the events through photos and videos, but police personnel tried to stop them. Reports from the scene state that officers attempted to seize cameras and mobile phones, leading to confrontations with media professionals.

Police Raid Inside NPC

The situation intensified when police personnel forced open the doors of the press club. Eyewitnesses described the entry as aggressive, saying some officers climbed the walls and entered the premises “as if terrorists were inside.” Once inside, police began attacking journalists, damaging equipment, and creating chaos.

Even the press club’s cafeteria was not spared, where journalists were beaten while having tea. Despite repeated assurances from senior journalists that no protesters were inside, the police continued their assault. Cameras were smashed on the floor, and several journalists and staff members were physically assaulted.

Reaction from Journalist Bodies

The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) strongly condemned the police action. PFUJ President Afzal Butt called the incident one of the “worst in history” and criticized the unprecedented aggression displayed by the Islamabad police. He pointed out that even during dictatorial regimes, such behavior was never seen.

“Butt emphasized that in earlier times, the police would wait outside to apprehend a wanted person rather than storming into the Press Club itself. He demanded accountability, warning that journalists would launch a strong protest if the responsible officers were not held answerable.”

Furniture inside NPC was reportedly broken, employees and office holders were assaulted, and some staff members were taken into custody. The attack has raised concerns about the safety of journalists and the freedom of the press in the country.

Government Response

Following the uproar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi took immediate notice of the incident. He sought a detailed report from the Islamabad police chief and ordered a probe into the matter. Expressing his disapproval, Naqvi stated that the torture of journalists would not be tolerated under any circumstances.

The interior minister also directed disciplinary action against the officers responsible for the assault. His intervention was seen as an attempt to pacify growing anger among journalists and media organizations.

Next Steps by Journalists

In the aftermath of the assault, journalists gathered inside the National Press Club to discuss their future course of action. Many demanded strong measures to ensure such incidents never happen again. The attack has once again highlighted tensions between state authorities and the media, sparking debate on the protection of press freedom in Pakistan.