Islamabad Police Storm National Press Club, Assault Journalists Amid AJK Unrest

In a deeply troubling development on Thursday, Islamabad Police forcibly entered the cafeteria of the National Press Club and physically assaulted several journalists, reportedly mistaking them for protesters linked to the Azad Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).

Eyewitnesses reported that both uniformed and plainclothes officers stormed the premises without warning, targeting media personnel who had gathered for routine discussions. The sudden and unprovoked assault left several journalists injured and immediately sparked outrage among press freedom advocates.

Afzal Butt, President of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), strongly denounced the incident, stating it was “an attack on press freedom and a gross violation of human rights.” He called for an urgent inquiry and disciplinary action against the officers involved.

The assault occurred amid growing unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), where ongoing protests led by the JAAC have turned violent following a collapse in negotiations between the AJK government and federal authorities.

Just a day earlier, clashes in the region led to the deaths of six civilians and three police personnel, with 172 officers injured—12 of them critically—alongside 50 wounded civilians, according to official government figures.

The unrest stems from widespread public anger over economic disparities, elite privileges, and reserved refugee seats in the AJK assembly. A region-wide strike and communications blackout have effectively brought daily life to a standstill.

Despite the volatile environment, authorities have urged the public to remain calm and not be misled by unverified social media reports. The AJK government issued a late-night appeal for unity and restraint, warning that misinformation could further inflame tensions.

As the situation continues to evolve, the press community has demanded accountability for the attack in Islamabad, viewing it as a direct threat to journalistic freedom at a time when independent reporting is crucial.