A three-member delegation from the Pakistan Peoples Party led by central information secretary Nadeem Afzal Chan visited the National Press Club in Islamabad to condemn the recent police incursion and violence inside the club. Delegation members Chaudhry Manzoor Ahmed and Ayesha Nawaz joined Mr Chan in meeting press representatives and reviewing the incident firsthand.
The PPP delegation met with Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists president Afzal Butt, National Press Club president Azhar Jatoi and secretary Neer Ali to express solidarity with the journalist community and to register strong protest over what they described as an assault on the sanctity of the press. The visitors voiced unequivocal support for the charter of demands presented by journalists and pledged to stand with media professionals during this difficult period.
Delegation leaders and press club officials said Islamabad police entered the National Press Club, subjected journalists to physical assault, and damaged cameras and mobile phones, actions they called a blatant attack on press freedom. The group warned that such incidents undermine core democratic values and the ability of journalists to perform their duties without fear.
Afzal Butt highlighted key demands submitted to the government, urging a firm ban on any future police entry into press clubs to prevent recurrence. He and others recommended formation of a joint action committee comprising representatives from the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and elected press club officials to oversee complaints and protection measures. They also suggested including a legal clause to guarantee press club and journalist safety in any related legislation.
PPP leaders said they would consult the party’s parliamentary leader in the National Assembly and move a resolution to preserve the dignity of the press club and safeguard journalists. The delegation reiterated that journalism and politics have long been allied in defending democratic principles, noting the sacrifices many reporters have made to uphold the freedom and integrity of the profession.
The visiting delegation stressed that press freedom remains under threat and called for immediate steps to restore trust and security for media workers. They affirmed the party’s commitment to supporting journalists and backing the charter of demands until concrete protections are enacted.
