ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday ordered an inquiry after police stormed the National Press Club in Islamabad and allegedly manhandled journalists and others inside the building.
The incident took place as supporters of the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee were protesting outside the facility. The group has staged demonstrations since late September, demanding an end to special allowances for government officials and the provision of electricity and wheat to the region at discounted rates.
According to an official statement, police chased some of the protesters who ran into the press club after a brawl with law enforcement personnel. Videos circulating on social media showed policemen striking people with batons inside the facility before dragging them outside.
“Violence against the journalist community will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” Naqvi said in a statement circulated by his office. “The personnel involved in the incident must be identified and disciplinary action taken.”
Naqvi said he had ordered an inquiry into the incident and sought a report from the top police official in Islamabad.
