Inquiry launched after police storm Islamabad Press Club, attack journalists

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday ordered an inquiry after Islamabad police stormed the National Press Club (NPC) during a protest, where several journalists were allegedly assaulted.

Television footage showed officers armed with batons entering the premises, dragging people and manhandling journalists. Social media videos also depicted broken cameras and damaged property.

In a statement, Naqvi termed the incident “unfortunate” and directed the inspector general of police to submit a report. “Violence against the journalist community cannot be tolerated under any circumstances,” he said, adding that disciplinary action would follow against those found responsible.

The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) condemned the raid, saying office-bearers and members were beaten when they tried to intervene. PFUJ president Afzal Butt described the incident as unprecedented, declaring it a “now or never” moment for journalists to demand guarantees against such actions. He said the union had convened an emergency session to decide its future course of action.

Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry also apologised, describing the raid as “sudden” and pledging an inquiry. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar called the incident “regrettable” and assured that a “comprehensive investigation” would be conducted.

Rights groups and senior journalists widely condemned the raid. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan termed it “shameful and condemnable”, while prominent anchors including Hamid Mir, Syed Talat Hussain, Matiullah Jan and Anas Mallick denounced the assault.

Witness accounts suggested the police were attempting to arrest members of the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), who had gathered at the NPC. Journalists covering the protest alleged they were beaten, dragged and threatened with arrest.

The incident has sparked concern across press clubs in Pakistan, with warnings that similar raids could occur in other cities if accountability is not ensured.