In a shocking turn of events, the federal police stormed the National Press Club (NPC) in Islamabad on Thursday evening under the pretext of arresting protesters, resulting in violence against journalists, vandalism of the cafeteria, and a nationwide outcry from the media community.
Police raid sparks outrage
According to eyewitnesses, police officers entered the National Press Club claiming to be targeting protesters but instead began torturing journalists and vandalizing the cafeteria. Reports confirm that police also attempted to round up several journalists.
When members of the press club gathered to resist, officers quickly slipped out through the back door.
Emergency press conference at NPC
Following the raid, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) convened an emergency press conference at the press club.
PFUJ President Afzal Butt condemned the incident in the strongest terms, declaring: “This is the darkest and worst incident in the history of Pakistan today. We have also seen martial law periods, emergencies, and even emergency plus. But never has the police or administration entered the press club.”
He added that the future course of action will be decided after consultations with journalist bodies and stakeholders.
Journalists’ community and rights groups condemn attack
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), PFUJ, and AEMEND strongly condemned the raid. Rights groups termed the attack on the press club as “terrorism” and demanded strict disciplinary action against those responsible.
Journalist protests are already in full swing, with many calling the assault unprecedented even in authoritarian regimes.
Naqvi takes notice; Talal Chaudhry apologises
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi took immediate notice of the incident and sought a detailed report from the inspector general of Islamabad police. He assured that disciplinary measures will be taken against the officials involved.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry personally visited the press club to meet journalists and offer an unconditional apology.
“I not only condemn this incident but also apologize unconditionally to the press club administration and the entire journalist community,” Chaudhry stated. He emphasized that the Ministry of Interior has also directed the police to issue a formal apology.
Meanwhile, Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar termed the episode “regrettable” and stressed the need for a complete and transparent investigation.
Dark chapter for press freedom
Despite the government’s realization of its “mistake” and subsequent apologies, journalists say the damage has already been done. Many see this as an assault on press freedom, unprecedented even in the most repressive phases of Pakistan’s political history.
With the media community uniting in protest and PFUJ vowing to decide its next steps collectively, the incident has opened a new debate on state aggression against independent journalism.
