ISLAMABAD, Oct 3 – Journalists across Pakistan have strongly condemned the federal government and Islamabad police after officers stormed the National Press Club (NPC) and beat media workers while dispersing a protest on Thursday.
The protest was organised by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC). TV footage showed policemen using batons against journalists inside the press club premises, sparking outrage in the media fraternity.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said he had taken notice of the “unfortunate” incident and directed the Islamabad Inspector General of Police to submit a report. “An inquiry has been ordered and responsibility will be fixed,” Naqvi said in a statement carried by Dawn.
Journalist unions and press freedom bodies denounced the crackdown as an attack on free speech. They demanded accountability of police officials involved and called for safeguards to ensure that press clubs remain safe spaces for journalists and civic groups.
The National Press Club in Islamabad has long been a hub for political debates, civil society discussions, and media activism. The incident has raised renewed concerns about the shrinking space for independent journalism in Pakistan, which is already ranked among the world’s most dangerous countries for reporters.