Two individuals were wrongfully arrested.
An inquiry has been ordered into a police raid at the National Press Club (NPC) in Islamabad, where several journalists were reportedly attacked.
Footage showed police officers armed with batons assaulting journalists on the press club premises.
Further visuals circulated on social media revealed officers dragging journalists out of what appeared to be the cafeteria.
One video captured a journalist holding his broken camera, with his shirt torn across the back.
Interior Minister Naqvi condemned the raid in a statement, describing it as “unfortunate.” He demanded a report from the Islamabad police chief.
He emphasised that violence against journalists was unacceptable and called for disciplinary action against officials involved in the incident.
Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) President Afzal Butt, alongside Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, held a press conference at the NPC.
Butt described how press club office-bearers attempting to mediate during the raid were also beaten by the police.
He alleged that two individuals were wrongfully arrested during the raid and later released after interventions from others on the scene.
Butt said the PFUJ had convened an emergency session to decide demands and strategies to prevent such incidents in the future.
He warned that ignoring this would embolden similar actions in other cities like Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta.
Minister Talal Chaudhry condemned the raid, issued an apology, and promised to meet with journalist bodies after their discussions.
A statement from his office claimed the raid stemmed from an attempt to arrest protesters from the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC).
It alleged the protesters had manhandled police officers, which led the police to enter the press club to make arrests.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar called the incident regrettable and vowed a comprehensive investigation, stating the raid was not ordered by the Interior Ministry.
Journalist bodies, including the PFUJ, termed the raid “terrorism” and demanded immediate action against those responsible.
They alleged the incident was part of a broader campaign against media professionals.
The Lahore Press Club demanded the suspension and arrest of police personnel involved, warning of nationwide protests if action was not taken.
Journalist Shiraz Gardezi said the incident began after JKJAAC protesters gathered at the NPC, prompting the police to surround them.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) also criticised the raid, calling for an inquiry and accountability for those involved.
Journalists across Pakistan announced a “black day” in protest, with black flags to be hoisted at press clubs.
PFUJ President Butt described the raid as one of the darkest days in Pakistan’s history, calling it an attack on press freedom.
He reiterated that journalists would devise a strategy to ensure no such incidents occur again.
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