Islamabad: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has ordered an inquiry after Islamabad police stormed the National Press Club (NPC), allegedly assaulting several journalists during a raid on Thursday.
According to visuals aired on a private TV and circulating on social media, policemen armed with batons entered the press club premises, dragged journalists, and damaged cameras and mobile phones. The incident sparked widespread outrage across the media community.
Naqvi, taking notice of what he termed an 'unfortunate incident,' sought a detailed report from the Islamabad Inspector General and directed strict disciplinary action against those responsible. He emphasized that violence against journalists is 'intolerable under any circumstances.'
Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) President Afzal Butt condemned the assault, calling it one of the 'darkest days in Pakistan's history.' He announced a countrywide 'black day' on Friday, with black flags to be hoisted at press clubs across the country.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar both expressed regret, assuring a transparent investigation. Journalist bodies including PFUJ, CPNE, and AEMEND declared the raid 'an act of terrorism' against media freedom and demanded immediate suspension and arrest of involved police personnel.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), senior journalists, and media figures also strongly condemned the police action, calling it a 'brazen attack on freedom of expression.'