Overview

• Islamabad police forced their way into the National Press Club during a Kashmir-linked protest, assaulting journalists, damaging property, and smashing cameras, according to eyewitness accounts and video.
• Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi took notice of the raid, ordered a probe, and requested a detailed report from the Islamabad police chief with warnings that violence against media will not be tolerated.
• State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry issued an unconditional apology to journalists and said officers entered the club while pursuing protesters accused of manhandling police officials.
• Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists announced a nationwide Black Day on Friday, with rallies, black flags at press clubs, and demands for an FIR and disciplinary action against those responsible.
• Rights groups, including the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, condemned the operation and called for an immediate, transparent investigation, as detainees from the protest and injuries to reporters were reported.