Black day declared in Pakistan after police assault on journalists at Islamabad press club | VIDEO

Islamabad: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has declared Friday a "Black Day" following an alleged police assault on journalists at the Islamabad National Press Club on Thursday.

The attack occurred during a peaceful protest by the Lawyers Community of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), which had been underway at the press club. Journalists present to cover the event reportedly became the target of police aggression, triggering widespread criticism and protests from media professionals and civil society.

What happened at the National Press Club?

According to reports from Dawn and other Pakistani media outlets, Islamabad police stormed the premises, using force against journalists and staff inside the press club cafeteria. Disturbing visuals circulating on social media and broadcast on national channels showed police dragging journalists, breaking cameras, and assaulting several people. One photojournalist was seen with a torn shirt and a destroyed camera.

The incident sparked immediate nationwide backlash. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi ordered a formal probe and promised disciplinary action, stating, "Violence against the journalist community cannot be tolerated under any circumstances." He also directed the Islamabad Inspector General to submit a detailed report.

However, journalist leaders rejected mere inquiries. PFUJ President Afzal Butt called the raid “one of the darkest days in Pakistan’s history” and announced a series of protests. Press clubs across the country will hoist black flags, he said, adding that this incident is not isolated to Islamabad. “Press clubs across Pakistan believe that if they ignore this worst incident, tomorrow it could be Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar or Quetta,” he warned.

Who is held responsible?

Several journalist unions have accused the government of orchestrating the assault. Tariq Virk, President of the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists, alleged that the police raid was sanctioned from higher authorities, stating, “Islamabad police did not come here on their own. They were sent.”

"They tortured and arrested even an ailing employee of the club. We will now adopt such a plan of action that nobody dares repeat this rogue behaviour."