ISLAMABAD: An inquiry is underway over an attack of Islamabad police on the National Press Club, media reported citing sources.
Sources apprised that Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Headquarters Haroon Joya is heading the inquiry team.
Initially the inquiry team has identified 11 police personnel, the sources added.
The sources apprised that many of the attacking police personnel are belonged to Dolphin Force.
The inquiry committee has also revealed that the three Station House Officers (SHOs) deployed at the national press club were out of their duties.
The federal police have hinted stern action against police personnel involved in the attack.
A day earlier, tensions flared in the federal capital after Islamabad police stormed the National Press Club (NPC), vandalized property, and allegedly assaulted journalists, triggering outrage from the journalist community and strong reactions from government officials.
According to witnesses, police entered the cafeteria of the press club and beat several journalists. Furniture and cameras were also damaged during the raid.
President of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), Afzal Butt, strongly condemned the incident, saying police had never before entered the press club, even during difficult times.
“This behavior is intolerable. The administration has always cooperated with the police, but in return, we faced violence,” he said, adding that journalists and staff were deliberately targeted.
National Press Club Secretary Nayyar Ali said police are required to seek permission before entering the premises. He demanded strict action against those responsible, stressing that employees were also subjected to violence.
Following the chaos, journalists gathered in large numbers inside the press club and demanded that police immediately leave the premises.
“Police entry into the National Press Club is strictly prohibited,” they declared during the standoff.
Interior Minister’s Notice
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi immediately took notice of the incident and sought a detailed report from the Inspector General of Police. He ordered a formal inquiry, stating that violence against journalists was unacceptable.
“Those responsible will be identified and strict disciplinary action will be taken,” Naqvi asserted.
Talal Chaudhry Issues Apology
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry reached the Islamabad press club to offer an unconditional apology on behalf of the police.
“I have come here to seek forgiveness. Some protesters clashed with police outside and then ran into the press club. Police should not have entered,” he said.
Chaudhry stressed that freedom of expression remained the government’s top priority and assured journalists that departmental action had been ordered against the policemen involved.
“As a political worker, I strongly condemn this incident and apologize. Whatever decision journalists make after their meeting, the government will fully accept it,” he added.
Minister Talal Chaudhry reiterated that the federal government had no intention of targeting journalists and assured that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had personally ordered accountability of the officers involved. –Agencies
