Pakistan: Police raid press club and assault media workers

Police allegedly assaulted multiple journalists and destroyed their equipment at the National Press Club in Islamabad on October 2. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), in calling for a thorough investigation to ensure journalists can perform their duties without fear of violence and intimidation.

Police harassing an individual outside Islamabad National Press Club. Credit: YouTube

The attacks occurred after Islamabad police dispersed a demonstration by the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee outside the National Press Club. Police allegedly surrounded protesters and beat demonstrators and journalists covering the event with batons. As protesters sought refuge within the Press Club, police reportedly stormed the premises, breaking open doors and damaging property.

The violence escalated as police entered the cafeteria to detain demonstrators, assaulting and dragging media workers, including Kashmiri journalist Raja Rukhsar, according to footage online. Police also damaged mobile phones and cameras, briefly detained two press club employees, and injured two photographers and three press club employees. More than 15 protesters were arrested during the incident.

In response, journalist representative bodies and media rights groups in Pakistan, including the PFUJ, announced a nationwide "Black Day" to be observed on October 3, with black flags to be raised at press clubs across Pakistan in protest. In a joint statement, the PFUJ and other media organisations denounced the violence and urged swift action against those responsible.

The PFUJ said:"The attack on the National Press Club is an attack on freedom of the press and democratic values, which cannot be tolerated under any circumstances. Incidents like police brutality are regrettable, which are tantamount to suppressing freedom of expression."

The IFJ said: "Arbitrary violence by authorities against journalists, particularly within their own press club, is a serious threat to press freedom and democracy. IFJ condemns the attack and calls for a swift, independent investigation."