Naqvi orders probe after police storm Islamabad's National Press Club

This is National Press Club Islamabad. Police entered inside the Press Club to arrest the supporters of JKJAC and targeted journalists present in the cafeteria. pic.twitter.com/fuJPeHPXGG

Videos of the police baton charge and assault on journalists inside the Press Club quickly went viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage. Senior journalists condemned the incident, calling it a blatant attack on press freedom.

Interior minister took the notice of the incident and ordered an investigation which saw widespread outrage.

He also sought a report from the Inspector General of Islamabad Police, stating that violence against members of the journalist community would not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Naqvi also directed to take disciplinary action against the personnel involved in the incident.

Watch Pakistani police storm the National Press Club in Islamabad, brandishing batons and beating journalists and civil society members (from PoJK) peacefully protesting against ongoing state violence in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. pic.twitter.com/cANszWpxho

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Interior, Talal Chaudhry, issued an unconditional apology on behalf of the government and Islamabad police after the unfortunate incident.

Speaking directly to members of the press at the National Press Club, Chaudhry condemned the police action and clarified that he had been sent by Interior Minister Naqvi immediately after the incident came to light.

“As soon as I was informed, I strongly condemned what happened and came here on the interior minister’s instructions,” Chaudhry said. “I sincerely apologize to all journalists for this unfortunate and unexpected incident.”

Read: Heated words, aggressive stares and a brawl - KU student groups await verdict after clash

According to Chaudhry, a few protestors allegedly mishandled police officers during the demonstration. In response, police attempted to arrest them and pursued them to the premises of the Press Club, where the confrontation with journalists unfolded.

Chaudhry stated that an internal inquiry into the incident has already been ordered by interior minister, emphasizing the government’s commitment to accountability.

پریس کلب پر بڑا حملہ۔۔۔ صحافی نشانے پربدترین تشدد، پولیس پر سارا الزام، افضل بٹ میڈیا کے سامنے بر س پڑے#ExpressNews #LatestNews #AfzalButt #TalalChaudhry #PressClub #Journalists #PMLN #Government #Apology #Police #IslamabadPolice #LatestUpdates #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/5pXw5oAjhY

“I once again condemn the incident. On behalf of the Ministry of Interior and Islamabad Police, I offer our deepest apologies,” he said. “I hope my presence here and this apology are accepted in good faith.”

Addressing the press community, Chaudhry assured them that the government would fully respect and accept any decision made by the journalists in response to the incident.

Also Read: Justice Jahangiri to challenge SHC over 'disputed' law degree proceedings

“We stand for freedom of expression,” he added. “It is because of your voices that our message reaches the public. I apologize to all journalist representatives present.”

The apology comes as media bodies and journalist unions prepare for internal deliberations on the next steps following the incident.

PFUJ, KUJ condemn police raid, demand probe

The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has strongly condemned the police crackdown on the National Press Club, terming it a fascist tactic employed by those in power.

In a joint statement, PFUJ President Haji Muhammad Nawaz Raza and Secretary-General A H Khanzada criticised the police action, saying such repressive measures were not even witnessed during authoritarian regimes but are now being executed by political parties that claim to uphold democracy.

“The police attack on the National Press Club exposes the true mindset of the ruling political parties,” the statement said. The journalists’ leaders further warned that if the government’s stance is otherwise, then concrete and visible action should be taken against the officials involved in desecrating the sanctity of the National Press Club, as well as the masterminds behind the incident.

اسلام اباد پریس کلب میں صحافیوں کا احتجاج شروع، حکومت مخالف نعرے بازی۔۔ pic.twitter.com/in9nwSiKZh

PFUJ also issued a stern warning to the government and its coalition partners, urging them to understand that the journalist community stands united against any such intrusion or aggression at the National Press Club.

The union emphasised that the current situation demands solidarity among journalists to counter police brutality and defend press freedom.

Echoing similar sentiments, the Karachi Union of Journalists (KUJ) has also condemned the police crackdown on the National Press Club and the assault on journalists by Islamabad police, demanding an immediate inquiry and that those responsible be held accountable.

Read: Pakistan’s solar boom sparks water strain, fiscal woes

In a statement, KUJ President Tahir Hasan Khan and General Secretary Liaqat Kashmiri described the police action as a blatant attack on press freedom.

The statement further emphasised that such police conduct is unacceptable and called on the government to take strict action against those involved. It also urged authorities to ensure the safety and security of journalists and press clubs across the country.

HRCP strongly condemns the raid on the National Press Club and assault on journalists by the Islamabad police. We demand an immediate inquiry and those responsible brought to book.

Separately, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) denounced the raid, expressing deep concern over the use of force against journalists. In a statement, the rights body demanded an immediate inquiry and accountability for those responsible.