Islamabad, 2 October 2025. The newly elected body of the Parliamentary Reporters Association of Pakistan strongly condemned the Islamabad Police action at the National Press Club, calling the operation a dark and shameful act that cannot be accepted by the journalistic community.
M B Somro, the newly elected president, alongside Naveed Akbar and other office-bearers said in a joint statement that the National Press Club is the home of journalists and any attack on it undermines the freedoms of the press and democratic norms.
The association announced full support for the “Black Day” to be observed at the National Press Club on Friday, 3 October 2025, and decided to postpone election celebrations to demonstrate solidarity with affected colleagues and members.
As part of a peaceful but firm response, the Parliamentary Reporters Association of Pakistan has resolved to stage a protest walkout from the press gallery during the National Assembly and Senate sittings on Friday. The move is intended as a visible expression of objection to the police action at the National Press Club and to press for accountability.
“The National Press Club is our home, an attack on it cannot be tolerated,” the statement said, adding that the Islamabad Police’s conduct was undemocratic and deserving of condemnation by the wider media fraternity.
All members have been urged to ensure their presence at Parliament House during the National Assembly and Senate sessions so a strong collective protest can be recorded. The statement was issued by Javed Hussain, Secretary Information, Parliamentary Reporters Association of Pakistan.
