ISLAMABAD:
Personnel of the Islamabad police stormed the capital’s National Press Club on Thursday evening, damaging property and subjecting journalists to violencean unprecedented move that sparked an outcry of indignation.
Eyewitnesses reported that armed police officials suddenly entered the premises of the press club, vandalized equipment, and physically attacked several journalists. They said a number of media professionals were injured as a result of the assault.
Following the incident, journalists staged a strong protest outside the National Press Club. Members of political and social organizations also joined the demonstration.
Protesters demanded immediate and strict action against the police personnel and officers involved to ensure that such incidents are prevented in the future.
The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) strongly condemned the attack. PFUJ President Afzal Butt called it “a direct assault on press freedom and freedom of expression.”
He announced that all media organizations would hold joint consultations to decide a collective course of action. “This must be the last such incident,” he said.
Senior journalist leader Arshad Ansari also denounced the police action, describing it as undemocratic and an attempt to suppress free speech. “Such behaviour by the police is absolutely unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” he declared.
After the media’s outcry, Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi took notice of the attack and directed the Islamabad Inspector General of Police to submit a detailed report.
Terming the incident “unacceptable,” the minister said violence against journalists cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry also rushed to the National Press Club, where he issued an unconditional apology to journalists. “The government stands with the media. Those responsible would be brought to justice,” he said.
