ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad police personnel stormed the cafeteria of the National Press Club while in pursuit of protesters from Azad Kashmir.
The Islamabad and Rawalpindi chapter of the AJK Awami Action Committee had given a call for protest in support of the people of Azad Kashmir who have been protesting for their demands.
What followed was the vandalization of property and violent suppression of journalists, who were allegedly mistaken for demonstrators.
Arshad Ansari, Secretary General of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), strongly condemned the incident, calling it an “attack” on the press and demanding immediate intervention from the Prime Minister.
He described the behavior as “open hooliganism” in the federal capital and insisted that criminal cases be filed against the police officers involved, with those responsible held accountable.
Speaking further, Ansari said, “The scene inside the press club resembled a police barracks rather than an institution of journalists,” underlining the gravity of the situation.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) also issued a strong condemnation, expressing deep concern over the mistreatment of media professionals. In its statement, HRCP demanded an urgent inquiry and stressed that all those who played a role in the attack must be brought to justice.
The incident has already triggered outrage across the journalist community. Media organizations are threatening nationwide protests unless swift action is taken.
They warn that such assaults undermine press freedom and foster a climate of fear among those serving as the eyes and ears of the public.
