Web desk: Islamabad police on Thursday resorted to baton charge outside the National Press Club (NPC) in Islamabad to disperse protesters, leaving dozens injured and arresting hundreds.
The situation escalated when police reportedly forced their way into the National Press Club premises without prior permission.
Officers entered the cafeteria area, causing damage to property.
Journalists and civilians present inside were also allegedly manhandled and assaulted during the operation.
Eyewitnesses described the raid on Pakistan’s largest press hub as “unprecedented and deeply alarming.”
Journalist unions strongly condemned the incident, stressing that the Press Club has always been considered a safe and sanctified space where such actions are unacceptable.
Legal experts also noted that the entry of the police into any civil institution like this, especially a place like the Press Club, without warrants or administrative approval raises serious constitutional and legal concerns.
The journalist community has demanded an immediate inquiry, strict action against responsible officers, and the release of those detained.
Following the incident, the Press Club administration and journalist bodies held urgent consultations to decide their protest response and future course of action.
Police mistook journalists for protesters, says DIG Islamabad
Speaking about the incident, DIG Islamabad said that an investigation has been called. “The police had mistaken journalists for protestors, an inquiry has been ordered,” said DIG Islamabad Police Jawad Tariq.
NPC President Afzal Butt dubs today as black day in history of journalism
National Press Club President Afzal Butt strongly condemned the police action, calling it “the darkest day in Pakistan’s history.”
He said the journalist community was deeply angered by the assault. “We are educated people, but we will give a strong and powerful reaction,” he warned.
Butt recalled that in the past, whenever a wanted individual entered the Press Club, neither the administration nor the police ever stormed inside.
“They would wait outside, verify the matter, and take action only when the person came out. But today, the police entered the Press Club and carried out vandalism,” he said.
Addressing Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, Butt stressed, “This is not a minor issue. They even broke the kitchen crockery.”
He added that the situation turned worse when Press Club officials tried to intervene. “Our office-bearers attempted to mediate, but they were dragged to the ground and beaten. They, too, were subjected to violence,” he said.
He condemned the incident and said that the journalist community will protest against this police highhandedness.
Further stating that he police will have to answer for this incident, adding that the journalists who were covering the incident had their cameras snatched.
The president of the National Press Club, Afzal Butt, has also spoken about the situation. He condemned the incident and said that the journalist community will protest against this police highhandedness.
Further stating that he police will have to answer for this incident. He also added that the journalists who were covering the incident had their cameras snatched.
Mohsin Naqvi orders probe as Police storm Islamabad Press Club
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has taken notice of the incident at the National Press Club in Islamabad and sought a report from the Inspector General of Police.
He directed an inquiry into the assault on journalists, stating that such violence against the media community will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Naqvi further instructed that the police officials involved in the episode be identified and subjected to disciplinary action.
Interior Ministry offers unconditional apology
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said an unfortunate incident took place at the Islamabad Press Club.
He offered an unconditional apology to all journalists, stating, “I have come here to apologise to the Press Club administration and the entire journalist community.”
Chaudhry explained that members of the Kashmir Action Committee were holding a protest outside the Press Club.
“Video evidence is available, and efforts were being made to arrest some individuals,” he said, adding that the general secretary of the Kashmir Action Committee misbehaved with the SHO and police officers.
He noted that police had followed the protesters of the Kashmir Action Committee to the Press Club, but emphasised: “The police should not have entered the National Press Club.”
The minister added that an internal police inquiry had been ordered against those who entered without authorisation. “For us, press freedom is the top priority,” Chaudhry asserted.
He further said that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has also ordered a departmental inquiry into the incident. “There is no ambiguity in this matter,” Chaudhry concluded.
