Media bodies alarmed over police attack on National Press Club

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 2 October 2025 |  Media Release

The attack on the National Press Club has been widely condemned by various media bodies in Pakistan. They demand government action to safeguard journalists and uphold freedom of expression.

Summary

ISLAMABAD — The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), Association of Electronic Media News Editors and News Directors (AMEND), and Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) have strongly condemned the attack on the National Press Club, terming it an act of terrorism. They have demanded that the federal government take immediate and stern action against those responsible for the brutality against media persons and the ransacking of the NPC premises.

In a joint statement, the media organizations stated that this brutal act is part of a continued tirade against the media industry, particularly the journalists' community. They expressed concern over a recent government advertisement published in national papers, titled "Kabhi Socha Hai Keh Ab Jang Ki Surat Kia Hai," which uses harsh and threatening language and lists journalists, freelancers, and NGOs as anti-state elements. The media bodies view this advertisement as an attempt to assassinate the character of the journalist community, put them under pressure, and deny them freedom of expression. Therefore, they demand that the advertisement be immediately withdrawn.

The media has played a frontline role during recent crises, keeping national interest above personal agendas and defending the country's ideological boundaries. Terming reporters and freelancers as terrorists is an open violation of freedom of the press and expression. The Constitution of Pakistan guarantees every citizen's right to access information without hindrance, and the media has responsibly utilized this right to inform the public.

The joint statement further highlighted the misuse of the PECA 2025 Act, which has proven the concerns raised by the media and journalists' community. Dozens of journalists have been booked under this act, and it is being used to suppress critics of the government and deprive them of their freedom of expression. The media organizations condemn baseless, concocted, and fabricated fake news designed for personal interests and reject any attempt to create an environment of harassment or threat. They will resist such attempts by all means and keep all legal and constitutional options open.