The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has strongly condemned what it described as an “assault on journalists by Islamabad police” during a raid at the National Press Club on Thursday. In a statement posted on X, the rights watchdog expressed deep concern over the incident and called for immediate accountability of those involved.
“HRCP strongly condemns the raid on the National Press Club and the assault on journalists by the Islamabad police,” the statement read. “We demand an immediate inquiry and those responsible brought to book.”
The incident has sparked outrage among journalists and media organizations, who see it as yet another attack on press freedom in the country. Visuals aired on DawnNewsTV showed policemen using force against journalists inside the premises of the press club, a space traditionally seen as a hub for free expression and media activity.
The footage, widely shared on social media, has raised alarm about the treatment of media workers and the growing concerns over their safety.
The HRCP, long known for its advocacy of human rights and democratic freedoms, emphasized that such actions are unacceptable in a democratic society. The group pointed out that freedom of expression and the safety of journalists are enshrined in Pakistan’s Constitution and must be respected by state authorities.
Any attempt to silence the media through intimidation or violence, it warned, would further erode public trust in institutions and weaken democratic norms.
Media unions and press clubs across the country have also expressed solidarity with the journalists attacked in Islamabad, calling for urgent reforms to protect media workers from arbitrary action by the police and other state actors.
The incident has once again highlighted the precarious state of press freedom in Pakistan, where journalists frequently face threats, harassment, and violence in the line of duty. The demand for an impartial investigation and accountability now stands as a key test for the authorities.
