Black flags flew at the National Press Club in Islamabad as hundreds of journalists marked a day of protest against the police raid, violence against reporters and vandalism inside the NPC cafeteria. Under the call of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists, a procession moved from the press club through the Blue Area as leaders and members condemned the assault on the institution that houses press activity in the federal capital.
PFUJ president Afzal Butt led the march and outlined demands for accountability and protective measures to prevent future intrusions. Speakers described the National Press Club as a symbol of press freedom and said the attack violated the sanctity of journalists homes and workplaces. They demanded clear standard operating procedures so that no police or state agency can enter a press club without proper oversight.
Senior figures including RIUJ president Tariq Ali Wark, general secretary Asif Bashir Chaudhry, acting NPC president Ehtisham ul Haq, NPC secretary Nair Ali and PRA president M B Sumro joined the protest and vowed coordinated action. They said the incident appeared to be a planned operation meant to intimidate the media community, and called for a firm national response from press bodies to protect the National Press Club and other press institutions across Pakistan.
Religious leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman arrived at the press club to express solidarity and strongly condemned the police action, saying journalists are peaceful citizens and part of the democratic process. Journalists also staged a walkout from the National Assembly press gallery, underscoring the wider outrage across the capital and prompting consultations on a charter of demands to present to the government.
Organisers said the protest aimed to ensure this attack on the National Press Club is not repeated and to press for legal and administrative safeguards. With journalists from the twin cities and representatives from media bodies mobilised, the community signalled it will pursue collective measures to defend freedom of expression and the physical safety of media spaces in Pakistan.
