National Press Club Submits Demands to Interior Ministry After Police Action

Following the recent police action, instances of violence against journalists, and property damage at the National Press Club (NPC) in Islamabad, the NPC’s Joint Action Committee presented a list of demands to the Ministry of Interior on Tuesday.

The issue arose after a police raid at the NPC last Thursday during a demonstration organized by the Awami Action Committee.

Journalists were reportedly manhandled by police as they documented the events with photos and videos. Reports indicate that police officers seized cameras and mobile phones from journalists.

According to the NPC’s statement, the charter of demands seeks to ensure the protection of press clubs nationwide, given the recent occurrence.

Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry confirmed that the government has received the demands and assured the committee of their approval.

Chaudhry stated that the government, in accordance with the charter, will take steps to ensure police officers seek authorization from the administration before entering any press club.

He further stated that the government has already denounced and apologized for the incident at the National Press Club and will continue to do so.

Chaudhry added that the prime minister, interior minister, and information minister have expressed significant concern over the matter and have ordered a thorough investigation.

The charter of demands also insisted that those accountable for the incident be identified and subjected to strict legal action.

It also advocated for the immediate establishment of a high-level inquiry committee consisting of representatives from the Interior Ministry, the Information Ministry, and journalists designated by the NPC.

Moreover, the committee is expected to evaluate the losses incurred by reporters, video journalists, and photographers who were affected during the violence.

The NPC requested that the interior ministry issue a notification for the creation of the inquiry committee within 24 hours, and the investigative body must submit its findings within four days.

The incident at the NPC prompted widespread condemnation, with journalists’ organizations releasing a joint statement characterizing it as an assault on press freedom and a component of a broader campaign against journalists.

Following the incident, State Minister Chaudhry had issued an apology for the assault on journalists at the NPC and assured the media community that the government would address all the demands put forward by the journalists.