Islamabad Police Storm National Press Club, Assault Journalists in Violent Incident
ISLAMABAD – In a shocking incident that has drawn widespread condemnation, Islamabad police stormed the National Press Club (NPC) on Thursday, during a protest organized by the Awami Action Committee. The attack, which involved the physical assault of journalists and destruction of property, has been described by senior media representatives as one of the worst attacks on press freedom in Pakistan’s recent history.
The protest, which began around 3 p.m. outside the NPC, saw police arresting demonstrators. However, things took a violent turn when journalists present to cover the event were attacked by police officers. The situation quickly escalated as law enforcement, after being asked to respect the media’s rights, forcibly entered the building, damaging equipment and assaulting journalists inside.
Unprecedented Violence and Destruction
The Awami Action Committee has been holding protests in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), where recent violence has resulted in the deaths of at least nine people, including three police officers. The unrest in AJK has seen violent clashes between activists and law enforcement, which further intensified the atmosphere surrounding Thursday’s protest in Islamabad.
Journalists, who had gathered to cover the protest, were documenting the events when police attempted to halt their efforts. Officers reportedly snatched cameras and mobile phones, while some police personnel forcibly broke into the NPC, with others scaling walls to enter the building. In a chaotic scene, police not only attacked journalists but also destroyed their equipment and even stormed the NPC cafeteria, where journalists were having tea. Despite repeated assurances from journalists that no protesters were inside, the assault continued.
Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) President Afzal Butt condemned the raid, describing it as an unprecedented level of aggression. “Even during periods of dictatorship, such behavior was not witnessed. Police used to wait outside for wanted individuals, not raid the Press Club itself,” Butt stated.
Government Reacts to the Assault
The brutal attack on journalists has sparked outrage across the media community. In response, the Interior Minister took immediate notice of the incident and called for a report from the Islamabad police chief. Minister Naqvi ordered a formal inquiry, emphasizing that torture or mistreatment of journalists would not be tolerated. Furthermore, disciplinary action against the responsible officers was promised.
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, also vowed a full investigation and assured the public that those responsible for the violence would be held accountable.
The Karachi Press Club (KPC) President, Fazil Jamili, strongly condemned the violation of the NPC’s sanctity and called for accountability. Similar statements were issued by political figures and media organizations, including the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Shazia Marri, and representatives from the Peshawar Press Club (PPC).
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) also demanded an immediate inquiry and the swift prosecution of those involved in the assault.
Journalists’ Bodies Call the Incident ‘Terrorism’
Journalist organizations, including the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), PFUJ, and the Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND), have jointly condemned the police raid, labeling it an attack on press freedom. The organizations described the assault as an act of “terrorism” and part of a broader campaign to intimidate and silence journalists in the country.
In their joint statement, the organizations denounced the continued smear campaigns against the media, urging an end to the harassment of journalists and calling for the protection of freedom of expression. They emphasized that media professionals must be allowed to perform their duties without fear of retribution.
The statement also rejected attempts to equate reporters with terrorists, stressing that such actions violate the principles of free journalism guaranteed under Pakistan’s Constitution.
The journalist bodies expressed their resolve to continue opposing such actions through all available legal and constitutional means, signaling further protests if justice is not served.
A Dark Day for Press Freedom in Pakistan
The storming of the National Press Club marks a dark chapter for press freedom in Pakistan. It highlights the increasing risks faced by journalists in the country, as both media professionals and their working environments are subjected to intimidation, violence, and harassment.
This incident also adds to the growing concerns over the misuse of laws like the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), which has been used to target journalists critical of the government. Media bodies have vowed to continue resisting these encroachments on their rights, asserting that the media’s role in defending national interests and ensuring transparency remains paramount.
With mounting pressure from various quarters, it remains to be seen how the government and law enforcement agencies will respond to the demands for justice and accountability.
