ISLAMABAD: Islamabad police stormed the National Press Club (NPC) on Thursday during a protest organised by the Awami Action Committee, assaulting journalists and damaging property in what senior media leaders described as one of the “worst incidents in history.”
The protest was scheduled for 3pm outside the NPC, where demonstrators were arrested by police. The Awami Action Committee has been staging protests in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), which recently turned violent and claimed at least nine lives, including three police personnel. A shutdown and wheel-jam strike continued in Muzaffarabad for the second day, with sporadic clashes between activists and law enforcers.
Journalists covering the Islamabad protest said police tried to stop them from recording events, attempting to snatch cameras and phones. Despite warnings from senior journalists, officers forced open the NPC doors, some even climbing walls as if “terrorists were inside.” Police stormed the cafeteria, beat journalists, and destroyed equipment.
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Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) President Afzal Butt condemned the raid, saying police damaged property, assaulted staff and office holders, and arrested employees. He noted that “even during dictatorships such behaviour was not witnessed,” warning of strong protests if accountability was not ensured.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi ordered a probe, directing disciplinary action against the responsible officers, while Information Minister Attaullah Tarar pledged investigations and punishment for those involved.
Journalist organisations, including the CPNE, PFUJ, and AEMEND, jointly denounced the raid as an act of “terrorism” and an attack on press freedom. They said the incident reflected a broader campaign of intimidation against journalists and rejected attempts to equate reporters with terrorists.
The groups demanded an end to smear campaigns and curbs on free expression, warning that misuse of laws such as the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) had already raised concerns. They vowed to resist such measures at all levels, asserting that the Constitution guarantees unhindered access to information and protection of press freedom.