The head of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has vehemently condemned a police incursion into the National Press Club as “the darkest and worst incident in history,” sparking outrage over an unprecedented assault on press freedom following a violent confrontation with protesters.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, PFUJ President Afzal Butt declared that such an egregious attack on a media sanctuary was unparalleled, even during periods of martial law. He detailed how police officials stormed the premises, damaged property, entered the kitchen, broke utensils, and physically assaulted photographers and video journalists.

‘Law enforcement officers used to wait outside if a wanted person entered the club. Today, they barged in, vandalized property, beat journalists and staff, and even took two employees away-who were later released,’ Butt stated. He cautioned that if the episode was ignored, similar actions could spread to other cities.

The PFUJ president announced an emergency meeting to decide a future course of action and demand strict penalties against those responsible. ‘The press club is the second home of journalists. No one will be allowed to storm our home and attack our community,’ he asserted.

Present at the press conference, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry issued an unconditional apology. He revealed that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had ordered an internal inquiry into the occurrence. Chaudhry explained the altercation began when protesters from the Kashmir Action Committee entered the club to evade arrest, prompting police to forcibly enter the building in pursuit.

The raid is an extension of days of escalating unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). Protests and clashes there have left several people dead and dozens injured since September 29. The turmoil, which followed a strike call by the Joint Kashmir Awami Action Committee, has also led to a communications blackout, paralyzing daily life in the region.

Despite invitations for renewed talks from both federal and AJK governments, tensions remain critically high, with three police officers killed during demonstrations earlier this week.