Police in Islamabad on Thursday attacked journalists covering a protest by the Azad Kashmir Awami Action Committee outside the National Press Club (NPC) and later stormed inside the club, assaulting reporters and damaging property.
According to NPC spokespersons, police officers not only thrashed journalists during the coverage but also kicked the gates, scaled the walls, and forcibly entered the press club premises. Once inside, police allegedly beat reporters, broke cameras, and even entered the cafeteria where they attacked journalists who were eating.
Journalist bodies strongly condemned the incident. Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) President Afzal Butt termed it “the worst incident in history,” saying that even dictators never treated journalists in such a manner. “If police wanted any suspect, they should have approached the club administration instead of violating its sanctity,” he said.
Karachi Press Club President Fazil Jamili also denounced the attack, stating: “Islamabad police have desecrated the sanctity of the National Press Club. This violation is unacceptable, and full accountability must be ensured.”
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) condemned the violence and demanded an immediate inquiry into the incident and strict action against those responsible.
Soon after the clash, Minister of State Talal Chaudhry arrived at the NPC. Speaking at a press conference, he apologized on behalf of the Interior Ministry and Islamabad police. “I extend an unconditional apology to journalists for this incident,” he said, adding that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had sent him to offer the apology.
