Journalists demand action over National Press Club police raid

Police officials will now be required to seek permission from admin before entering premises, announces Talal Chaudhry

A Joint Action Committee of journalists and media representatives have submitted a Charter of Demands to the Ministry of Interior, seeking swift and strict action against those involved in last week’s police raid on the National Press Club in Islamabad.

A delegation led by senior journalist Azhar Jatoi met Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry on Tuesday to present the demands formally. During the meeting, NPC Secretary Nayyar Ali briefed the minister about the incident and conveyed the committee’s concerns over the assault on media personnel.

According to the Charter, the journalists have demanded that an inquiry committee be formed within 24 hours to investigate the incident and that a detailed report be submitted within four days. They also called for strict legal action against those responsible.

Chaudhry assured the delegation that the government was taking the matter seriously. “The prime minister, interior minister, and information minister have expressed grave concern over the incident and directed a thorough investigation,” he said.

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The minister further announced that police officials will now be required to obtain prior permission from press club administrations before entering their premises.

The committee has proposed a joint inquiry body comprising representatives from the interior and information ministries, and the NPC to ensure impartiality. It also urged the formation of a high-level committee under the federal interior minister to ensure long-term security for press clubs nationwide.

The Charter further called for a formal notification guaranteeing the safety of press clubs and media institutions.

Expressing frustration over delays in implementing journalist protection mechanisms, the committee noted that the Journalists Protection Commission remains non-functional even after four years. It demanded that the body be fully constituted and operationalised within two weeks, as per the relevant legislation.

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The committee also appealed to Parliament to pass a unanimous resolution safeguarding the sanctity and independence of press clubs and journalist unions. In response, Chaudhry pledged to take up the issue with the Senate chairman, National Assembly speaker, and other relevant authorities.

Last week, personnel of the Islamabad police stormed the NPC, vandalising property and assaulting journalists. Eyewitnesses said armed police officials entered the premises without warning, damaged equipment, and injured several media workers.

The attack sparked widespread outrage among journalist bodies, who described it as “a direct assault on press freedom and freedom of expression.” Protests erupted outside the NPC, with members of political and social organizations joining the demonstrations.

Following the outcry, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi took notice of the incident and directed the Islamabad IGP to submit a detailed report. Terming the raid “unacceptable,” he said, “Violence against journalists cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.”