Web desk: Islamabad police on Thursday used baton charge outside the National Press Club (NPC) to disperse demonstrators, leaving dozens injured and leading to the arrest of hundreds.
Matters escalated when police officers reportedly forced their way inside the Press Club without permission. They entered the cafeteria area, where damage to property was reported. Journalists and civilians present at the time were also allegedly assaulted.
Eyewitnesses described the raid on Pakistan’s most prominent press institution as “unprecedented and deeply alarming.” Journalist unions strongly condemned the action, saying the Press Club has long been regarded as a safe and sacred space where such force cannot be justified.
Legal experts noted that the unauthorised entry of police into a civil institution such as the Press Club raises serious constitutional and legal concerns. The journalist community has since demanded a full investigation, accountability of the officials involved, and the release of all those detained. Press Club representatives and journalist bodies convened an emergency meeting to decide their protest strategy and next steps.
Government apology
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry described the incident as “unfortunate” and issued an unconditional apology to the Press Club administration and the journalist community. “I have come here to apologise to the Press Club administration and the entire journalist community,” he said.
Chaudhry explained that members of the Kashmir Action Committee had been staging a protest outside the Press Club when police intervened. He said there was video evidence of the confrontation and claimed that the committee’s general secretary had misbehaved with police officials.
According to the minister, police pursued protesters to the Press Club but should not have entered the premises. “The police should not have entered the National Press Club,” Chaudhry admitted.
He said an internal inquiry has been ordered against the officers involved. “For us, press freedom is the top priority,” he stressed. Chaudhry added that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has also directed a departmental investigation into the matter. “There is no ambiguity in this case,” he concluded.
Read more: Islamabad Police Adds 15 New Desks at Faizabad Traffic Office for Licensing Services
