Islamabad police on Thursday stormed the National Press Club (NPC), vandalised its cafeteria, and assaulted journalists covering an Azad Kashmir’s Joint Awami Action Committee protest, sparking nationwide outrage over what press organisations called an “attack on press freedom.”

According to eyewitnesses, chaos erupted when police baton-charged protesters outside the NPC.

Many demonstrators ran inside for safety, but baton-wielding officers forced their way in through the club’s rear gate.

Once inside, police not only arrested protesters but also assaulted journalists and staff, injuring several cameramen and smashing their cameras.

The situation escalated further when police stormed the cafeteria, where they beat journalists eating lunch, vandalised furniture, and even detained a club employee.

Videos circulated online showed officers dragging and thrashing media workers, including Kashmiri journalist Raja Rukhsar.

Journalists announce “Black Day”

In response, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), NPC, and Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) announced a countrywide Black Day on Friday.

Hundreds of journalists staged protests outside the NPC, chanting slogans against police brutality.

PFUJ President Afzal Butt condemned the raid, calling it “one of the darkest days in media history,” stressing that “the sanctity of 3,500 members and the four walls of the NPC were violated. An attack on the NPC is an attack on 40,000 journalists.”

NPC General Secretary Nayyar Ali and RIUJ President Tariq Wazir also denounced the raid, terming it a direct assault on the freedom of the press.

Fierce backlash from media, politicians, and rights groups

Videos of police violence triggered an avalanche of criticism on social media. Journalists, including Matiullah Jan, Saqib Warraich, and Khurram Iqbal, described the incident as “shameful” and “historic desecration of press sanctity.”

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) demanded an independent inquiry and disciplinary action against those responsible.

Politicians also reacted strongly.

Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas called the raid “barbaric,” accusing the state of trying to silence the people’s voice.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nasrullah Randhawa said it was a “blatant attack on freedom of expression.”

Government response: apologies and inquiries

Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry rushed to the NPC to apologise directly to journalists, admitting the police action was “unacceptable” and claiming it was triggered when protesters clashed with officers.

He confirmed that the interior ministry had ordered an internal inquiry.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi later took notice of the incident, sought an immediate report from the Islamabad IG, and ordered strict disciplinary action against the officers involved.

“Violence against journalists will not be tolerated,” he said.

Meanwhile, press clubs across the country, including Karachi, joined in condemning the raid, demanding accountability, and vowing to resist any attempt to stifle free expression.