On October 2, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi ordered an inquiry into a police raid at the National Press Club (NPC) in Islamabad, where several journalists were allegedly assaulted by police personnel. The incident drew widespread condemnation from journalist bodies, human rights groups, and political leaders, while the government later issued an apology and pledged action against those responsible.
Naqvi, in a statement, said he had taken notice of the “unfortunate” incident and demanded a report from the Islamabad inspector general of police. “Violence against the journalist community cannot be tolerated under any circumstances,” he stated, directing disciplinary action against officials involved.
At a press conference held later at the NPC, Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) President Afzal Butt said that journalists and press club office-bearers were “beaten and tortured” when they attempted to intervene during the police action. “They even arrested two people, who were later released,” he said, adding that cameras and mobile phones were broken during the assault. Butt announced that an “emergency session” of PFUJ would decide the journalists’ future course of action, warning that similar incidents could occur in other cities if left unaddressed.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, who attended the same press conference, condemned the incident and apologised on behalf of the government. “Please consider this when you hold your meeting,” he said, assuring that the government would meet journalists again after their consultations. His office later released a statement explaining that the incident occurred when police chased protesters from the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) who had allegedly manhandled officers. The statement confirmed that Chaudhry had ordered an internal inquiry.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar also termed the incident “regrettable,” clarifying that Interior Minister Naqvi had not ordered the police to enter the press club. “The National Press Club is my home and I stand with it,” he said, adding that a comprehensive investigation would be conducted.
In a joint statement, the PFUJ, Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), and the Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND) condemned the raid as “terrorism” and demanded immediate action against those responsible. The statement described the incident as part of a continuing pattern of intimidation against journalists, citing recent “threatening advertisements” and misuse of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) to suppress media freedom.
The Lahore Press Club also issued a condemnation, demanding that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif suspend and arrest the police officials involved, warning of nationwide protests if action was not taken.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) also condemned the assault, calling for an “immediate inquiry” and punishment for those responsible. Prominent journalists including Hamid Mir, Syed Talat Hussain, and Matiullah Jan denounced the incident on social media, describing it as “shameful and condemnable.”
PTI lawmaker Junaid Akbar termed the raid “an attack on freedom of expression,” while veteran journalist Mazhar Abbas said it reminded him of the “days of military dictatorships.” Human rights defender Tahira Abdullah demanded the arrest and prosecution of the police officers involved, along with compensation for the damaged property and equipment.
Meanwhile, PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui welcomed the decision to investigate but urged that it not be a “mere formality.” He stated, “The officials who are irresponsible and abusive should be identified and punished under the law.”
