Case Update Status

Geo suggested that on Oct 7, the National Press Club's Joint Action Committee submitted a charter of demands to the Ministry of Interior following a police attack on journalists and vandalism at the club. The demands include ensuring press club security, requiring police to obtain permission before entering press clubs, and forming a high-level inquiry committee to investigate the incident. Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry assured that the government would approve the demands and take action against those responsible. The government condemned the attack, apologized, and ordered a full investigation. The charter also called for assessing damages to journalists' equipment and property, with the inquiry committee to be formed within 24 hours and submitting its report within four days.

Summary of Case

On October 2, 2025, Islamabad Police forcibly entered the National Press Club (NPC) and assaulted journalists who were covering a protest by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). The raid was widely condemned by media bodies, government officials, and human rights organizations as a serious violation of press freedom. The officers allegedly stormed the press club, assaulting journalists and staff, and vandalizing property. Reporters Adil Abbas and Raja Rukhsar were severely beaten. However, an office boy of the National Press Club, Rashid, was also affected during the incident. Dawn described the incident and the police brutality that captured the National Press Club in Islamabad, where journalists were beaten and equipment was damaged as authorities attempted to apprehend protesters seeking refuge inside. The raid sparked widespread condemnation from media organizations, politicians, and human rights groups, who denounced it as a blatant attack on press freedom. According to the report, eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with over 100 police officials involved in the operation. Several journalists were injured, and property was destroyed during the raid. The police also arrested two National Press Club staff members and damaged equipment. Geo News suggested that the police action was described by senior media representatives as one of the "worst incidents in history". The protesters had gathered outside the press club, and when the police arrived, they arrested them. The report says that during the incident, police personnel damaged property, smashed cameras, and beat journalists inside the cafeteria without reason. Employees and office holders were also targeted and arrested. Despite journalists' attempts to document the events, police tried to stop them, even attempting to snatch cameras and mobile phones. Even after being asked not to manhandle media personnel, the police forced open the doors of the press club and attacked multiple journalists, smashing their equipment. According to the report, the Awami Action Committee had been organizing protests for Azad Jammu and Kashmir, which turned violent, claiming at least nine lives, including three police personnel. Footage from the scene shows police brutality as officers wielded batons to attack journalists in the cafeteria, forcibly taking some away. Those attempting to record the incident were also manhandled, resulting in damaged equipment. A journalist's Nikon camera was reportedly broken, and his shirt was ripped during the chaos. Speaking to PPF Shakeel Qarar, former President of the National Press Club (NPC), reported on the incident, stating that the police attempted to arrest individuals outside the Club, which led to a tense situation. The police then entered the Club premises, targeting attendees and damaging property, including breaking a photographer's camera. They also vandalized the Club cafeteria. The incident drew a large crowd in the city, and despite recent discussions, the matter remains unresolved, with those involved unwilling to settle the issue amicably, said Qarar. Daily Khabrain reporter Adil Abbas shared his experience with PPF, detailing that on Oct 3RD, two separate protests were scheduled for 3 pm - one regarding the solidarity for Kashmir and the other concerning Palestine and the arrest of Senator Mushtaq Ahmed and the Gaza Flotilla team by Israel. Journalists gathered at the National Press Club to cover the protests. As the protests began, Adil Abbas and his team started covering the event and taking photographs. The police, led by SHO Khurram, arrived at the scene and instructed the protesters supporting Palestine to separate from the rest of the crowd. Subsequently, the police arrested the Palestinian group and took them away in three police vehicles. After completing their coverage, Abbas and his colleague, Raja Rukhsar, a reporter for AGN News, retired to the Press Club's café to take a break. While they were sitting there, they noticed some lawyers from the Kashmir Action Committee engaged in a discussion with the management. Curious, Abbas and Rukhsar attempted to approach them to gather more information. However, their inquiry was met with unexpected violence. SHO Khurram, accompanied by three police personnel wearing black face masks, suddenly rushed towards them. Abbas recounted, "We tried to seek refuge by locking ourselves in the canteen, but the police forcibly opened the door and brutally beat us." Abbas further described the incident: "I was severely beaten by the police, and when Rukhsar tried to intervene to save me, the police assaulted him with a baton, dragging him under a table. The video of this incident went viral." As a result of the assault, Abbas sustained head injuries, while Rukhsar suffered bruises on his arms. After the incident, Abbas and Rukhsar were forced to seek medical attention on their own, as the police did not provide any assistance. They tried to call the emergency services, but the police personnel who arrived at the scene were the same ones who had beaten them. Abbas expressed his concerns about the lack of support from the journalists' organization and the government, stating that their demands for action against the responsible police officials may not be met. He also mentioned that Minister Talal Chaudhry had apologized for the incident but questioned the government's commitment to taking action against the perpetrators, as no dialogue has yet been made by PFUJ. They also have no support from the organization, added Abbas. On Oct 3, the National Assembly session was walked out of as a gesture of silent protest. Negotiations were ended between the Parliamentary Reporters Association and federal ministries, suggested by Daily Naway e Wqt correspondent Chaudhry Shahid Ajmal to PPF. The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) strongly condemned the incident, announcing an emergency meeting to discuss the matter and plan further action. The PFUJ termed the police raid "terrorism" and demanded immediate action to prevent such incidents. PFUJ has announced a nationwide black day on October 3 to protest the police attack on the National Press Club in Islamabad. According to PFUJ President Afzal Butt and Secretary General Arshad Ansari, black flags will be hoisted on all press clubs across Pakistan, and unions will hold protest demonstrations. The PFUJ strongly condemns the police's violation of the Press Club's sanctity, viewing it as an attack on the entire journalist community. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) also condemned the police action, calling for a thorough investigation and accountability. The Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), and Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND) have jointly released their statement condemning the police raid on the Islamabad Press Club and the violent assault on journalists. The organizations called the incident a part of a pattern of targeting the press, highlighting recent government ads that use threatening language to intimidate journalists and suppress free speech. These ads, titled "Have you ever wondered what war looks like now?", unfairly label media professionals as hostile to the state. The organizations demanded that the ads be withdrawn, emphasizing that likening responsible journalists to terrorists violates free press principles. They also criticized the arbitrary use of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) to silence critics, with dozens of journalists facing cases under the law. While condemning baseless reporting, they vowed to resist attempts to create a climate of fear and protect press freedom and journalist safety through all constitutional and legal means. RIUJ President Tariq Virk spoke to PPF, stating that two separate protests were held outside the National Press Club, one regarding the Kashmir issue and the other concerning Palestine and the arrest of Senator Mushtaq Ahmed and the Gaza Flotilla team by Israel. The citizens were peacefully protesting, and journalists were present to cover the event. However, the police arrived and started charging batons at the protesters, breaching the press club premises and assaulting journalists inside. Virk stressed that the police brutally beat one of the office staff, Rashid, and many camerapersons were mistreated, resulting in damaged cameras. Following the incident, the journalists held a rally demanding justice and an inquiry. A protest will be observed on October 3rd, said Virk. Karachi Press Club President Fazil Jamil also stepped forward and condemned the police action, stating, "We strongly condemn the police for assaulting journalists and illegally violating the sanctity of the National Press Club in Islamabad. This blatant act demands full accountability." He expressed solidarity with the National Press Club, saying, "Karachi Press Club stands in solidarity with NPC". Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi swiftly responded to the incident, ordering a probe and seeking a report from the Islamabad IG, emphasizing zero tolerance for violence against journalists. Naqvi directed disciplinary action against the personnel involved. Nevertheless, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry visited the National Press Club, condemned the police action, and offered a sincere apology on behalf of the government and Islamabad police. He assured journalists that the government values freedom of expression and respects their decisions regarding the incident, as reported by the Express Tribune. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar also expressed his concerns on X, describing the police raid on the National Press Club as an unfortunate incident. Tarar condemned, stating that the “Islamabad Press Club is like a home for him”, assuring that a thorough investigation will be conducted and strict action will be taken against those responsible. On October 3rd, the Parliamentary Reporters Association of Pakistan (PRAP) expressed serious concern over the police raid on the National Press Club, with its officials staging a walkout from the press gallery during the National Assembly session. Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, who reached the National Assembly Press Lounge, held talks with the journalists' delegation. The PRAP President, MB Soomro, emphasized that the sanctity of the National Press Club had been violated and warned that if the demands were not met, they would completely boycott the session. Chaudhry maintained that action would be taken over the incident, while Soomro and other journalists' representatives pressed for concrete measures to address their concerns. SS is attached, and the video is saved. The All-Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) strongly condemned the police intervention at the National Press Club in Islamabad on October 2, 2025, which led to an unfortunate situation involving journalists. In a statement, the APNS Federal Capital Committee, led by Chairman Faisal Zahid Malik, expressed deep concern over the incident and emphasized the importance of respecting press freedom and the sanctity of journalistic institutions. The APNS believes that any form of intimidation or use of force against journalists is a direct attack on press freedom, which is constitutionally guaranteed in Pakistan. The organization called for an immediate and impartial inquiry into the incident, strict disciplinary action against those responsible, and measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The APNS reaffirmed its solidarity with the journalist community and the National Press Club in defending freedom of expression and the rights of working journalists.

Category of Incident

Attack on property; Assault

ICCS Status

ICCS Divisions: Assault- 0201 & Other acts against property involving violence or threat against a person- 0409

ICCS Group: 02011 -Assault

ICCS Class:

ICCS Crime: Assault

Reported By

Dawn

Date of incident

2

Month

October

Year

2025

Name of affected person

Raja Rukhsar

Other affected persons

Adil Abbas and office staff Majid

Name of affected organization

National Press Club, Islamabad

Other affected organizations

Daily Khabrain, AGN News

Action by

Islamabad Police

City

Islamabad

Province

Capital

Designation

Reporters

Professional category

Journalists

Age of victim

N/A

Marital Status

Compensation Details

Amount of compensation announced by government: No compensation was announced

Date of compensation announcement by government: No compensation was announced

Date of compensation paid by government: No compensation was announced

Amount of compensation announced by others: No compensation was announced

Date of compensation announced by others: No compensation was announced

Date compensation paid by others: No compensation was announced

FIR Details

Was FIR registered ?: No

Court Details

Was case investigated ?: No case was presented in any court

Court where case was presented: No case was presented in any court

Name of prosecuting lawyer: No case was presented in any court

Date of first court hearing:

Date of last court hearing:

Status of court case: N/A

Journalist Union Status

PFUJ

The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) strongly condemned the incident, announcing an emergency meeting to discuss the matter and plan further action. The PFUJ termed the police raid "terrorism" and demanded immediate action to prevent such incidents. PFUJ has announced a nationwide black day on October 3 to protest the police attack on the National Press Club in Islamabad. According to PFUJ President Afzal Butt and Secretary General Arshad Ansari, black flags will be hoisted on all press clubs across Pakistan, and unions will hold protest demonstrations. The PFUJ strongly condemns the police's violation of the Press Club's sanctity, viewing it as an attack on the entire journalist community.

APNS

The All-Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) strongly condemned the police intervention at the National Press Club in Islamabad on October 2, 2025, which led to an unfortunate situation involving journalists. In a statement, the APNS Federal Capital Committee, led by Chairman Faisal Zahid Malik, expressed deep concern over the incident and emphasized the importance of respecting press freedom and the sanctity of journalistic institutions. The APNS believes that any form of intimidation or use of force against journalists is a direct attack on press freedom, which is constitutionally guaranteed in Pakistan. The organization called for an immediate and impartial inquiry into the incident, strict disciplinary action against those responsible, and measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The APNS reaffirmed its solidarity with the journalist community and the National Press Club in defending freedom of expression and the rights of working journalists.

CPNE

The Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), and Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND) have jointly released their statement condemning the police raid on the Islamabad Press Club and the violent assault on journalists. The organizations called the incident a part of a pattern of targeting the press, highlighting recent government ads that use threatening language to intimidate journalists and suppress free speech. These ads, titled "Have you ever wondered what war looks like now?", unfairly label media professionals as hostile to the state. The organizations demanded that the ads be withdrawn, emphasizing that likening responsible journalists to terrorists violates free press principles. They also criticized the arbitrary use of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) to silence critics, with dozens of journalists facing cases under the law. While condemning baseless reporting, they vowed to resist attempts to create a climate of fear and protect press freedom and journalist safety through all constitutional and legal means.

PBA

N/A

Media Source Status

Media reports:

Condemn Status

Colleague of victim

RIUJ President Tariq Virk spoke to PPF, stating that two separate protests were held outside the National Press Club, one regarding the Kashmir issue and the other concerning Palestine and the arrest of Senator Mushtaq Ahmed and the Gaza Flotilla team by Israel. The citizens were peacefully protesting, and journalists were present to cover the event. However, the police arrived and started charging batons at the protesters, breaching the press club premises and assaulting journalists inside. Virk stressed that the police brutally beat one of the office staff, Rashid, and many camerapersons were mistreated, resulting in damaged cameras. Following the incident, the journalists held a rally demanding justice and an inquiry. A protest will be observed on October 3rd, said Virk.

Employer organization

N/A

Press Club Status

Press club 1: Speaking to PPF Shakeel Qarar, former President of the National Press Club (NPC), reported on the incident, stating that the police attempted to arrest individuals outside the Club, which led to a tense situation. The police then entered the Club premises, targeting attendees and damaging property, including breaking a photographer's camera. They also vandalized the Club cafeteria. The incident drew a large crowd in the city, and despite recent discussions, the matter remains unresolved, with those involved unwilling to settle the issue amicably, said Qarar.

Press club 2: Karachi Press Club President Fazil Jamil also stepped forward and condemned the police action, stating, "We strongly condemn the police for assaulting journalists and illegally violating the sanctity of the National Press Club in Islamabad. This blatant act demands full accountability." He expressed solidarity with the National Press Club, saying, "Karachi Press Club stands in solidarity with NPC".

Press club 3: