Federal police raid National Press Club in Islamabad to arrest protesters

The Federal police personnel entered the National Press Club in Islamabad to arrest protesters.

According to details surfaced on Thursday, the police used force against journalists and caused damage in the cafeteria. Journalists were detained on suspicion of involvement in the protests. When members of the Press Club assembled, the police exited through the back door.

Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi took notice of the incident and requested a report from the Islamabad IG Inspector General. Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar labelled the event as “regrettable”.

Journalists have urged senior authorities to respond to the police’s forceful entry, assault on staff and destruction within the Press Club.

President of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists, Afzal Butt, said police had never entered the Press Club in this manner before. Cameramen and photographers suffered violence. The union will respond firmly within the limits of the law.