Islamabad police storm National Press Club | The Express Tribune
Key Takeaways
- Islamabad police stormed the National Press Club, causing property damage and physically assaulting journalists.
- The incident triggered strong protests by journalists and civil society demanding accountability for the police action.
- The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) strongly condemned the attack as an assault on press freedom.
- Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi took notice and ordered the Islamabad IGP to submit a detailed report.
- Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry visited the site and issued an unconditional apology to the media.
Islamabad police personnel conducted an unprecedented raid on the capital's National Press Club on Thursday evening, during which they reportedly vandalized property and subjected journalists to physical violence, causing injuries to several media professionals. In immediate reaction, journalists staged a strong protest outside the venue, joined by members of political and social organizations, demanding strict action against the involved police officers. The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) vehemently condemned the incident, labeling it a direct assault on press freedom and announcing consultations for a unified course of action. Senior journalist leaders also denounced the police behavior as undemocratic and an attempt to suppress free speech. Following the widespread condemnation, Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi took notice and directed the Inspector General of Police to submit a detailed report, calling the violence unacceptable. Furthermore, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry visited the Press Club to offer an unconditional apology to the journalists, assuring them that those responsible would be brought to justice.
