ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday ordered an inquiry after police stormed the National Press Club in Islamabad and allegedly manhandled journalists and others inside the building.
The incident took place as supporters of the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee were protesting outside the facility. The group has staged demonstrations since late September, demanding an end to special allowances for government officials and the provision of electricity and wheat to the region at discounted rates.
According to an official statement, police chased some of the protesters who ran into the press club after a brawl with law enforcement personnel. Videos circulating on social media showed policemen striking people with batons inside the facility before dragging them outside.
“Violence against the journalist community will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” Naqvi said in a statement circulated by his office. “The personnel involved in the incident must be identified and disciplinary action taken.”
Naqvi said he had ordered an inquiry into the incident and sought a report from the top police official in Islamabad.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry also visited the club to express regret over the incident.
Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) President Afzal Butt said the club administration and office bearers were present at the time, but they were also targeted by the police.
“This is not just an issue related to the Islamabad press club,” he said in a televised news conference with Chaudhry.
“All press clubs across Pakistan believe that if they turn a blind eye to this terrible incident, it will also be repeated in Lahore, Karachi, Quetta and Peshawar.”
“This is why we will initially consult our friends here and then in other parts of Pakistan before determining our plan of action and present our demands,” he added.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) also condemned the episode in a social media post, seeking an “immediate inquiry” and action against those responsible.
Located in the heart of the capital, the National Press Club often draws protesters from diverse political and social groups seeking visibility for their causes.
Thursday’s incident was unusual, however, as police have not previously stormed the premises.
